Chester County field hockey previews
Year in and year out, Chester County proves itself to be the premier county in District 1 for field hockey, and one of the very best in the state. Last season, 10 of the 13 county teams in the PIAA qualified for the district playoffs, and five qualified for the state tournament.
Leading the way in 2022 is Conestoga. Last season, the Central League champion Pioneers won the District 1 3A championship, and advanced to the state semi-finals before falling to the eventual champs, Emmaus. ‘Stoga brings back the bulk of their starting line-up, including senior forward Kate Galica, the 2021 Daily Local News Player of Year.
Villa Maria, a perennial state powerhouse, lost seven starters to graduation. But count on the Hurricanes to simply reload, and make another deep post season run, led by Gia Whalen, named a Top Ten player in the nation by Max Field Hockey.
In the Ches-Mont National, the defending champs, Downingtown West are primed to make another run at a title, with eight players returning from last year’s state qualifier team, led by Ciara Margetich, a senior forward headed to St. Joe’s next season.
The Whippets will be challenged in the division by Henderson, West Chester East and Downingtown East, all of whom reached the district playoffs last season and will be looking to make the next step.
The American has, in recent seasons, really stepped up the level of play, with Kennett and Great Valley both reaching the state tournament. Last year’s champs, Great Valley, bring back a solid core of players led by Nadia and Eva Nemeth, as well as Ella Winters. Kennett brings back its entire starting line-up, anchored by goalie Maddie Sears and forward Kaitlyn Stolp. Unionville and Oxford were also district qualifiers a year ago, so expect the battle for the American division crown to be hotly contested.
Avon Grove
Coach: Giulz Antignani, 6th season
Last year’s record/achievements: 14-6, District 1 second round
Number returning starters: 7
Number returning varsity: 10
Top returning varsity: Madison Britton (Sr., Mid, Defensive mid, Penn State commit) Camryn Spancake (Sr., defense) Bri Gillin (Jr., defense) Keleigh Clausius (Sr., forward, Alvernia commit)
Newcomers to watch: Morgan O’Donnell (Fr., Mid. Forward)
General Outlook/coaches comments: “The coaching staff is very excited for the team this year with so many returning players mixed in with some new talent and players joining us,” said Antignani.” The girls have worked hard this summer and are genuinely excited about the season. The way that the previous season ended for us losing 2-1 in the second round of play offs left the girls wanting more and anxious to get after it. We are all looking forward to an exciting and competitive season.”
Bishop Shanahan
Coach: Jeff Riccardo, 1st year
Last season: 4-13
Returning Starters: 8
Returning varsity: 9
Top returning varsity: Gianna Mastrocola (Sr. goalie, St. Francis University commit), Karmen DeAngelis, Molly Coghan, Mia DiGenova, Claire Fader, Sam A’ddezio, Darby Bicking and Katie Thomas.
General Outlook: “We have a lot of good athletes who haven’t played much field hockey,” said Riccardo. “The girls work extremely hard. I feel every game we will get better, the more they play with each other. One thing is for sure, they will not quit.”
Conestoga
Coach: Regan Marscher, 4th year
Last year’s record/achievements: 22-2, Central League champions, District 1 3A champion, state semifinalist.
Number returning starters: 7
Number returning varsity: 12
Top returning varsity: Kate Galica, (Sr., forward, 2021 DLN Player of the Year, 1st team all-state, UVA commit for lacrosse), Shae Wozniak (So, Mid, U-16 national team) Alex Lepore (Jr., goalie, 2nd team All-State) Lexi Patterson (So, mid, 2nd team All-State) Lily Norton Sr., defense) Amanda Hill (Sr., defense)
Top newcomers: N/A
General Outlook/coaches comments: “’Stoga should have a successful year,” said Marscher. “We look forward to competing against our tough out of league opponents. We have a mix of solid returning talent, eager youth, and hope to make a run in districts and states again this year.”
Downingtown East
Coach:: Sarah Keer, 4th year
Last year’s record/achievements: 10-8, District 1 second round
Number returning starters: 7
Number returning varsity: 12
Top returning: Rylee Dennis (So., Mid), Nia Massey (Jr., Forward), Faith Fuqua (Jr., Mid), Ella Pfizenmayer (Jr., Mid), Kirstyn Kolinsky (Jr, Mid), Kaitlin Sieczkowski (Jr., Back), Hannah Wolfe (Sr., Back), Kelsey Welsh (Sr., Back).
Top Newcomers: Kate Davidson (So., Forward), Bella Beck (Jr., Forward), Anna Sullivan (Jr., GK)
General Outlook/coaches comments: “We are very excited to take on the 2022 season,” said Keer. “The team put in a lot of work throughout the summer and pre-season to prepare for our tough schedule ahead. We have a very strong returning junior class most of which have been starting since their freshman year with support and leadership from seven returning starters.”
Downingtown West
Coach: Courtney MacPherson, 1st year
Last year: 13-3-1, Ches-Mont National champ, District 1 semi-finalist, state qualifier
Number returning starters: 8
Number returning varsity: 10
Top returning players: Ciara Margetich (Sr., forward, first team All-State, St. Joe’s commit), Ashley Plzak (Sr., forward, second team All-State, Cornell commit), Alyssa Freeman, (Sr., mid, American University commit), Kaiya Chepow (Jr., goalie), Piper Cline (Jr., forward) Carly Smith (Jr., mid/forward) Mia Freeman (Jr., mid), Kylie Briggs (Jr., mid), Kate Mahmud (Sr., mid/defense, Rider University commit)
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “I am so excited to be the Head Coach at Downingtown West for the 2022 season,” said MacPherson. “The team lost three starters, but we have 19 incoming freshman which is great to see. This is an extremely committed group and they have been a pleasure to coach so far. Our first game will be a tough one going up against a very skilled Garnet Valley team (a 3-1 victory) but we can’t wait to get on the field and compete.”
Great Valley
Coach: Brenda Haley, 4th year
Last year: 16-2, Ches-Mont American champion, District 1 quarterfinals, state qualifier
Number returning starters: 9
Number returning varsity: 11
Top returning varsity: Nadia Nemeth, (Jr., attack), Eva Nemeth, (Jr., mid), Ella WintersSr., attack)
Top newcomers: Abby Perazzoli (Fr. Attack), Reilly Lackman (Fr., defense)General Outlook/coach’s comments: “With the core group of players back we look to have another great season with a more challenging schedule,” said Haley. Early results have shown the Patriots to be up to the task of the beefed up schedule.
Kennett
Coach: Meghan Shumway, 15th year
Last year’s record/achievements: 14-2-2, District 1 quarterfinals (lost to eventual district champ Conestoga), state qualifier.
Number returning starters: 11
Number returning varsity: 15
Top returning varsity: Maddie Sears (Sr., goalie Villanova commit), Kaitlyn Stolp, (Sr., mid/forward, JMU commit) Sarah Burns, (Sr., defense), Jordyn MacMillan, (Sr, forward, led Blue Demons in scoring last season) Whitney Walker (Jr., mid)
Tope newcomers: Sarah Fritz (Jr., forward), Marissa Herring (So., defense)
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “Kennett is a team that has been evolving into an elite team in the Ches-Mont over the last 5-6 years,” said Shumway. “It’s our hope to continue to grow this season and push to new heights. Returning all of our starters puts us in a great position to be successful in both the Ches-Mont and in Districts. We have a strong and talented senior class that we will lean on to lead us through what we hope will be the best season ever.”
Oxford
Coach: Karly Belford, 5th year
Last year’s record/achievements: 6-13, district qualifier
Number returning starters: 6
Number returning varsity: 6
Top returning varsity: Abby Johnson (Sr., mid, Hornets’ leading scorer, UNH commit) Mackenzie Clark (Sr., mid, Arcadia commit), Ava McGlothlin, (Jr., forward) Lily Fay, (Jr., defense).
Newcomers: Amanda Peterson (So., forward), Abby Fraundorfer (Fr., forward)
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “We have experience and talent returning from last year in our midfield and defense,” said Belford. “We have a lot of young talent coming up that I hope to generate offense for us. The team has been working hard in the off season to hopefully transfer over to the season.”
Unionville
Coach: Maureen Richard, 3rd year
Last year: 9-9, district qualifier
Number returning starters: 5
Number returning varsity:
Top returning: Ellie Almeida, (Sr., mid, U Penn commit), Molly Main, (Sr.,forward), Ria Rossman, (Sr., defender) and Brooke Phillips (Sr., mid)
Newcomers: N/A
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “This is a closely knit team that connects well both on and off the field,” said Richard. “We have a solid defensive unit combined with a fast front line and midfielders who are great decision-makers. Our seniors are providing outstanding leadership that is raising the bar in our performance and consistency on the field.”
Villa Maria
Coach: Katie (Evans) Ordonio, 5th season
Last year: 20-4 (District 1 runner up, state second round)
Number returning starters: 4
Number returning varsity: 13
Top returning: Gia Whalen (Sr. mid, captain, Max Field hockey Top Ten player, Iowa commit) Brynna Hill (Sr. mid, captain, James Madison commit) Callen Todd (Jr., defense, captain), Charlotte Powers (Sr, Catholic University commit). Emma Meaher (Sr., Lafayette commit)
Newcomers: Caitlin Connell (Fr., forward) Catie Connolly (Fr., goalie) Lily Ippolito (Fr., defender), Gabby Balzano (So., defender)
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “Our team lost many notable players at the end of last year, but we’re fortunate to have a great deal of depth within our squad, “said Ordonio. “Leading the way is an incredible group of seniors who are deeply passionate about our sport and program. They’ve stepped up in every way possible, despite the big shoes they’ve had to fill. We have several key returners back in the mix, and have added some exciting new talent. We’re looking forward to the season ahead and wish everyone the best of luck this year.”
West Chester East
Coach: Jessica Rice, 3rd year
Last year: 11-6-1, District 1 second round
Number of returning starters: 5
Number of returning varsity: 9 returning varsity
Top returning players: Anna Capelli (Sr., mid/defense, St. Francis commit), Carey Werley, (Sr. defense Villanove commit), Claire Madarasz (senior, goalie), Lydia Bechtel (Jr. mid), Audrey Argonish, (Jr., mid), Tyler Rice ( Jr., forward)
Newcomers: Cami DeGirolamo (Fr., forward) Carly Rice, (Fr., defender)
General outlook/coach’s comments: “WC East is looking to have another strong season with some new Varsity players,” said Rice. “After losing eight strong seniors we are looking to continue to build our program and work on our passing game. With two senior D1 commits we are hopeful they will show leadership on and off the field.”
West Chester Henderson
Coach: Courtney Evans, 4th year
Last year: 11-7, district second round
Number of returning starters: 4
Number returning varsity: 8
Top returning: Molly DiCampli (Sr. defender, Stevens Tech commit) Kristina Codd (Sr. mid) , Rylee Bauer (Sr., mid)
Newcomers: Rayen Harkins (Fr., mid/defender) , Kendell Brandon (So., mid/defender)
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “This season is a fresh start with a new look,” said Evans. “This will definitely be a team that continues to grow and develop as a unit. The senior class is one that truly leads by example. Three of our seniors are returning starters that have worked hard to maintain their starting spots include; Molly DiCampli, Kristina Cobb, and Rylee Bauer. Rayne Harkins is our only freshman that has been pulled up to the varsity level due to her work ethic, coachability, and athleticism. Overall, this team is a cohesive group and is willing to put in the extra work in order to have positive results.”
West Chester Rustin
Coach: Vienna Forjohn, 3rd year
Last year: 7-11
Number returning starters: 6
Number returning varsity: 14
Top returning: Grace Walsh: (Sr., defense), Sydney Yaw (Jr., forward,) Sam Ward (Sr., mid, York College commit), Kailey Barry (Jr, mid), Grace O’Hora (So., forward)
Newcomers: Emma Johnson (So., forward), Ellie Kayser (So, mid).
General Outlook/coach’s comments: “The Knights are so excited to take on the 2022 season,” said Forjohn. “Our team is very passionate and dedicated to the game of hockey. We hope our talent leads us to meet our personal and team goals. We wish all of the teams good luck as they enter a new season.”
