Published: August 29, 2008 08:54 pm            

H.S. LACROSSE: Veteran R-H squad eyes run at N-O title

Lady Rams visit Barker on Tuesday in league opener.

MIDDLEPORT — Going with an underclassmen dominated lineup Roy-Hart compiled a 9-4-1 record last fall to finish second in the Niagara-Orleans League field hockey standings behind unbeaten (13-0-1) Barker.

This season, with that entire now veteran senior dominated lineup back, the Lady Rams are taking aim at making a strong run at the N-O crown they last held in 2004.

Ironically, the Lady Rams N-O opener will be at Barker on Sept. 2.

“It’s quite a group and our expectations are high,” Coach John Jablonski said. “They work hard, they know a lot about the game and they have a lot of experience.”

Leading the Lady Rams are forward Liz DeWaters and halfback Sarah Offhaus who earned first team N-O All-league honors last fall, forwards Jen Voelker and Christine Badhorn who were second team selections, and midfielder Angie Snediker and halfback Jamie Sue King who were honorable mention picks, all are seniors.

The Lady Rams huge 16 member veteran contingent also includes Grace McPartlin (halfback), Shaunna Kraatz (midfield), Sophia Laubacher (halfback) and Amanda Catalano (goalie); juniors Briena Seidel (midfield), Alyssa Riexinger (goalie), Chelsey Barnett (midfield), Kristi Pilhorn (midfielder), Kaitlyn Klotzbach (halfback) and freshman Brittney Burg (forward).

Rounding out the Roy-Hart roster are senior Amanda Walker and juniors Allison Smith and Alyina Schifferle.

“It’s a hard working bunch and they are all seasoned veterans,” Jablonski said. “We’re excited, but cautious. It’s an old saying but we’re taking it one game at a time and the opener against Barker should be a good benchmark. We’re just looking to minimize our mistakes and capitalize on our opponents mistakes.”

• Wilson

WILSON — After a few years sitting near the bottom of the pack in the N-O, the Wilson Lakewomen field hockey team is ready to break out this fall.

According to second-year coach Alyssa Boron, a former standout athlete at Starpoint, the team has a much improved work ethic on and off the field.

“This year’s team looks very strong and motivated,” she said. “This season I feel like we’re going to be a tough competitor and show the rest of the Niagara-Orleans League that we have really improved since last year.”

Leading that charge will be sophomore midfielder Elise Jancef, an all-area catcher this past spring for the softball team. Also at midfield is Alley Grace. On the backline will be Anjolie Plante and junior Raela Wiley, the reigning Lockport Union Sun & Journal Co-Player of the Year in softball.

• Starpoint

PENDLETON — The Lady Spartans are coming off their most successful season since joining the Erie County Interscholastic Conference in 2004, winning 10 games and finishing third in the small schools division.

But with the graduation of first team all-Western New York coaches selection Allyson Zurawski and all-league choices Brittany Carlson and Jordan Hausladen, 24th-year coach Barb Kruezer knows her team will need others to quickly step to the forefront and fulfill those roles.

Kruezer said senior midfielder Brittany Braun, an Empire State Games bronze medalist, and four-year USA Field Hockey Regional Futures Program participant Krista Raimondo will lead her squad. Raimondo, a senior, will command the offense from her forward spot. Also back is senior goalie Anna McCullough, senior defender Aimee Larson, junior forward Melinda Reeb and junior defender Shelby Handley.

“This team is very dedicated, determined and hard working,” Kruezer said. “The excitement for the season is building for the girls.”

        

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