The Madison High School girls’ field hockey team gears up for yet another season of high expectations and a lot of excitement. Last year the team finished with a 16-3-1 record and reached the Semifinal Round in the NJSIAA Tournament. The team is on their way to repeat that success as the girls are off to a great start with two big wins over Mountain Lakes, and Hackettstown. Their only loss in the early part of their season was a close 1 score game against Booton.
Prior to the season, many questioned whether the team would be able to be successful under new leadership. Coach Sarah Morano, took over the reins as the new head coach this year. Morano previously coached at Verona High School and hopes to transfer her knowledge and success to Madison.
Senior captains Megan Peterson, Lauren Peterson, Sophia Modi, and Ally Brosie entered their season with complete confidence that their success would continue. Coach Morano made an immediate impact with new practice routines and clear practice plans all of which have benefited the team greatly.
When asked about Coach Morano’s changes Megan Peterson stated they “were for the better,” and she believes they will allow the team to make a further playoff run this year. Peterson also stated that following last year every girl on the team has a greater want to win and that no matter what conditions they are faced with, the team will always give 100 percent and “try their best.”
For senior captain and Dartmouth commit Ally Brosie, the memory of last year’s heartbreaking defeat to West Essex has allowed her to be “more inclined to work harder” in and out of the season. This meant doing extra drills in the off season and working harder in practice throughout the season. Ally was the team’s leading goal scorer last year and has continued that success into this year scoring two goals against Mountain Lakes and totaling two points against Hackettstown.
The rest of the season is no walk in the park for the girls. They face a loaded schedule of well rounded teams, in Morristown-Beard, Chatham, Whippany Park, Pequannock, Summit, Blair, Mendham, Bernards, and Pingry. The team’s success down the line will be dependent on their ability to follow and execute Coach Morano’s game plan.