The Gladiators field hockey team had an unbelievable season last year, winning 11 games before falling to Massapequa, 1-0 in the County Class A final.
They hope to have a similar season in 2011 despite losing 10 seniors.
Last Season: 11-5, lost to Massapequa in Class A final
Coach: Kori Brocking
Key Players:
Kristen Lynch
Lisa O'Callaghan
Key Departing Players:
Michelle Polizzano
(Goalie) Priscila Paulose
Position Breakdown: Lynch and O'Callaghan are back on offense for the Gladiators. O'Callaghan was the leading goal scorer with 19 goals last season and Brocking will rely on her heavily to score this year.
Lynch is a great athlete who has the ability to set up her teammates in front of the opposing teams net and she is capable of getting the ball inside the goal herself.
"These two players are the backbone of our team," Brocking said. "We will rely on them a lot this season on the offensive end."
Paulose, who is a two-time All-County goalie, graduated and her presence on the defensive end will be sorely missed.
"She was our mainstay on defense," Brocking said. "There will be a big hole to fill in that position."
Brocking hopes that a couple of girls who have been moved up from the junior varsity squad will have an immediate impact on the field.
Expectations: "Unfortunately we lost a lot of girls from last year's team," Brocking said. "It might be a little bit of a rebuilding year for us but we still hope to be competitive in the conference."
Key Games:
(1st game) 9/15 Carle Place 4:30 Home
9/17 Port Washington 9:00 Home
10/5 Cold Spring Harbor 4:30 Away
10/14 Manhasset 4:30 Away
10/21 Garden City 4:30 Home
