Published in the September 12, 2019 edition.
By DAN BYRNE
WAKEFIELD — Into the second week of September, the high school fall sports season has kicked off, and for the girls of the Wakefield Memorial High School field hockey program, they are ready to compete once again after an intense off-season/pre-season of training and getting prepared for the Middlesex League.
Recently, Warriors’ head coach Cara Luca spoke about the season and the hard work the team has put in ahead of this year’s competition.
“The girls trained with coach Justin Berry at Bearfit Training in Wakefield to work on strength and conditioning for the upcoming season,” Luca said, but that was far from all they did to get ready for the season.
“They were also fortunate to work with Endicott College coach Jody Cipolla, and SeaCoast United coach Leah Boody to sharpen their field hockey skills. Coach Tina McDavitt Mattera of Tufts University also came to Wakefield and worked with the girls on skills, drills and defense.”
Coach Luca has brought in lots of experts to help the Warriors.
“So far this season, we have brought in former US Field Hockey Olympian goalie Donna Chung to work with Abby (Boudreau) and our defense. I try to think outside the box and how I can get this team to improve upon their skills.I know talent when I see it, and I want them to get the best instruction possible.
“We have also had former Wakefield High School Alum, and current Lasell University player Megan Horrigan come down to a few practices to help work with our offense. The girls have responded well to both Donna and Megan and are learning a lot from them.”
This season, the program consists of 15 junior varsity players, while the varsity team has 14 players.
The varsity team this year has five returning players all of whom are seniors: Olivia Cataldo, Carestin Stewart, Erin Heffernan, Hope Melanson and Annabella Forziati.
“We have a very young team with a lot of potential. Right now we are focusing on working as a unit. Once we are able to do this, great things will come,” Coach Luca said as she talked about her roster for 2019.
“Olivia Cataldo and Carestin Stewart are in charge of the defense. They are seasoned players who are helping the younger players understand the positioning and role of defense.
“Junior Nora Hagopian and Olivia Fortier as well as sophomore Allida Kelleher are also in the backfield.
“The midfield is controlled by captains Erin Heffernan and Hope Melanson. Both Erin and Hope have great stick skills and are able to keep the ball up the field. Sophomores Elise Theriault and Yana Herzong also see time at the midfield position as well as Angelina Nardone.”
“Captain Annabella Forziati leads the front line at center forward. Her wings are sophomore Christina Covelle and freshmen Grace Seabury and Caroline Melanson.
“The biggest asset this season is sophomore goalie Abby Boudreau. Words cannot express how thrilled the coaching staff and the team are to have Abby in the net.”
Abby is a first time field hockey goalie but no stranger to the net as she is also the WHS girls’ ice hockey goalie.
“It is a transition going from ice to turf, but Abby is a quick learner,” Luca said of her young goalie, “She recorded 11 saves against Reading and 20 saves against Lexington in her first two games. She has great hand eye coordination and her stick stops have been great.”
On the goals and expectations for the season Luca added, “Last year we missed the tournament by one game. Going into this season, we still have the expectation of wanting to make the tournament and we know we have to work hard in order to get there.”
She is confident that this group has what it takes to get to where they want to go.
“Staying focused and working as a unit will lead us in that direction. The team has come up with the slogan ‘One Team, One Dream,’ as motivation to get us to where we want to be.”
Early in the season, the results haven’t come for the Warriors, but there are plenty of signs that the team will gel soon.
“Our first game was against Reading (Sept. 4),” Luca explained. “We were up at the half 1-0 with a goal scored by freshman Caroline Melanson off a rebound from a penalty corner. Reading came out on fire in the second half and caught our defense and midfield off guard. They scored three quick unanswered goals.
“Our second game was against Lexington (Sept. 6) who has a very strong team. Lexington played flawless field hockey with quick and accurate passing. The final score was 4-0. Abby Boudreau recorded 20 saves that game.”
In this week’s competition, the team takes on Arlington and Watertown in a pair of tough road games to test their resolve early in the season.
