Field Hockey Optimistic About Upcoming Season

The girls’ varsity field hockey team comes into this season with high hopes. After finishing last year with five wins, eight losses, and four ties, it looks to improve its record with a couple more victories this fall.

The team captains have not been announced yet, but the eight rising seniors on the team offer plenty of leadership. Seven seniors graduated from last year’s team, and their presence will be missed. Even though there are some big shoes to fill, the returning players feel confident that they are up to the challenge.

Lower Michaela O’Brien expanded on her team’s projected roster. “We have a lot of new recruits coming in, so it will be a good building year and they will help make up for the seniors that we lost this past year,” she said.

“Our game against Hotchkiss is one that the team always looks forward to. They are historically a very strong team, but we held our own against them last year, so I’m pumped to rematch again this year.”

There are many positive aspects from last year that the team would like to retain this season, but they also need to improve if they want to win more games. In particular, Exeter’s defense was strong last year, helping the team stay competitive against tough opponents. However, at the same time, they were not able to produce many quality shots, and the games often resulted in ties.  Senior Caroline Grace explained, “This year, we are looking for more shots on net and definitely more goals.”

All but three games that Exeter played last season were decided by two goals or fewer, so even a couple more goals this year could take the team a long way.

Of course, winning more games this season is not going to be easy, and the girls know that they will need to play their best, which is why they have been keeping their fitness up throughout summer vacation.

Grace described the team’s training workouts from the summer offseason. “We have been working all summer on lifting, practicing, and perfecting that 7:40 mile,” she said.

The girls’ efforts to increase their strength and endurance while on vacation will not go unnoticed, and they hope to outplay all of their opponents for every minute of each game.

For this fall, the team has many matches that are expected to be close. However, the team does not fear these tough opponents. Upper Emma Wellington said, “Our game against Hotchkiss is one that the team always looks forward to. They are historically a very strong team, but we held our own against them last year, so I’m pumped to rematch again this year.”

After battling many skilled teams, Exeter will save the best game for last, and take on Andover at the end of the season. After losing 0-1 to their rivals on E/a last year, the team will will be playing with a chip on their shoulder and out for revenge.

Big Red field hockey will play in a jamboree against three other teams the first weekend they get back to school. After those scrimmages, they have two away games in a row against Groton and Milton. Their first real home game will be against Governor’s Academy on Sept. 21.