Middletown High School South’s field hockey team reached the semifinals of NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group IV tournament, where it lost to Freehold High School, 2-1, earlier this month but gained a lot of optimism for the future.
“I think we had a remarkable season. We came into a new division in Shore Conference [B North] and finished second [at 8-3-1] only to Wall. We beat our crosstown rival, Middletown North, in a nonconference game [by a 3-1 score] and also in the second round of the Shore Conference Tournament,” coach Jordan Hickman said. “That was an improbable win, as we were down, 3-0, at the half and came back to score five unanswered goals to win, 5-3. We were unfortunately knocked out of the quarterfinals against Shore. We made it to the state semifinals (NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group III) after beating West Windsor Plainsboro North and had a competitive game at Freehold, but came up short, 2-1.”
Nine seniors showed great chemistry, according to Hickman, led by Marissa Colvin, who is one of two players selected to play in the Monmouth County All-Star game. She scored 13 goals, which was second only to fellow senior Kara Gillman’s 18 goals and nine assists.
“All nine seniors will be severely missed. Next year, we will definitely work to rebuild the program and close the gaps that they will leave,” Hickman said.
The coach has three returning starters, including goalkeeper Julia Russo — a junior who suffered an injury in late September and was replaced by sophomore Sam Messina, who finished the season.
Junior Jillian Bigos, a speedy skilled forward, and sophomores Isla Brennan at midfield and Danielle Totilo in the back return.
“Isla has fantastic stick skills and notable game sense,” Hickman said. “[Totilo] will be used on the right side in hopes of slowing opposing offenses. Together, the three of them are a field hockey powerhouse, and they have proven that they can rise to the occasion in many aspects both on and off the field. As young players, they have already demonstrated leadership qualities and have earned the role of captains for the 2017 season.”
Middletown High School North finished 14-6 and lost in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey, Section II, Group III tournament behind senior Hailee Hallard’s 32 goals. The team finished second in the Shore Conference A North Division.
Graduating seniors played many of the leading roles, but Milena Wilton will help lead the returning players for next season.
