The Lions continue to build numbers for 2016 season
Cherry Hill West field hockey 2016 season preview
Last season: The Lions finished last season with a record of 1–9–1 in the Olympic American conference and 1–18–1 overall. After suffering a winless 2014 season, the team opened 2015 with a 2–0 win over Cherry Hill High School East on Sept. 11.
Returning Athletes: The Lions lost nine players to graduation, including goalie Anne Mullarkey, but the team has a strong contingent of players returning for the new season. Senior Abby Spencer will fill Mullarkey’s shoes as goalie. Other seniors returning are forward/midfielder Sara Sherry, forward Caitlin Flynn and defender Tori Injaian. Juniors coming back are forward Shannon Meloche, defender Kylie Judge and midfielders Julia Clancy and Keriann Dignan.
New players: According to head coach Bridget L. Schaeffer, promising newcomers to the team include senior forward Ally Marchesani, senior defender Shannon Bobb, sophomore defender Niki Horiates and sophomore forward Paige Tambussi.
Key game: The Lions take on the Cherry Hill High School East Cougars on Oct. 10. “Always a great game with our cross-town rival,” Schaeffer said.
Season outlook: The Cherry Hill West field hockey team makes a change to the Olympic National conference this year, which Schaeffer said gives the team more opportunity. She noted the young squad is building its numbers, but added this is the largest freshman class since the class of 2016, so she is interested to see what they will have to offer. The team has a bond Schaeffer hasn’t seen in years past. “The seniors and juniors have already begun mentoring the freshmen on and off the field, getting them ready for our first game and their first day of high school,” Schaeffer said.
