The term “rebuilding” is one that makes fans of professional sports franchises cringe as it usually means the team has lost their star player or players and will be forced to wait for the next prospect to arrive. High school coaches know this all too well as this problem presents itself every year once graduation comes along.
For Seneca High School varsity field hockey coach Julie Smith, this year will present that challenge in a big way.
“After graduating eight varsity starters and a strong varsity substitute, we are rebuilding this season,” Smith said. “Luckily, we have six girls with varsity experience that can help form the foundation of the varsity team, and other girls that have been playing throughout the year and are ready to step up into varsity roles.”
The Lady Golden Eagles finished 11–8 before bowing out of the Central Jersey Group III semifinals, losing to Allentown 3–2.
Despite turning over most of the roster, Smith says the goals remain the same for her and the team.
“We want to improve upon last year’s record and advance further in the playoffs. After making it to the semifinals last season, the girls are determined to move on to the final game,” Smith said. “The keys to making this happen will be keeping everyone healthy and having young athletes step up to fill the roles left by last season’s senior class.”
Smith highlighted three of this year’s senior class she expects to help the young team achieve its goals — Annina Aracacri, Holly Kiffer and Kayla Raparelli.
“Annina played a crucial role on our defense last year. Her patience and steady play enable her to anchor our defense in the upcoming season. Holly’s ability to read the field and distribute the ball makes her a key player, both offensively and defensively. I expect her to step into a leadership role this season, both on and off the field.
“Kayla will likely lead our offense and be fighting for the title of leading scorer next season,” Smith said.
Acting as potential aces in the hole are a pair of junior goalies, Gianna Petagno and Cailey Talbot.
“We are lucky to have two high caliber goalies on our roster, which I see as an incredible advantage for our team. We hope to have them both work as starters throughout the season, matching their strengths to the teams we face,” Smith said.
“Gianna has incredible reach and makes surprising saves in every game. She never shows any fear or any doubts. Cailey is quick and natural in the goal. Her athleticism, desire to learn and work ethic enable her to quickly pick up and apply skills at an incredible pace.
“ If both continue to work hard and improve, I believe they will one day have opportunities to play at the collegiate level.”
Smith said the toughest opponents the team will face are in their own division and will act as a barometer of where Seneca is as a program this season.
“For our division, Moorestown, Kingsway, Central Regional and Allentown all could meet in the final game. For the past two years, we have made it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, and we hope to defeat one of them there this year.”
