2019 Mercury-Area Field Hockey Preview
Boyertown
Coach: Karen Kooker, fifth season
Last year’s record: 3-11-2, 1-8-1 PAC Liberty
Players to watch: Amber Marburger, Sr.; Alyssa Vu, Sr.; Laura Wigand, Sr.; Kelsi McDevitt, Jr.; Nina Caprio, Jr.; Alaina Schmid, Jr.; Lauren Eves, So.; Remi Lloyd, So.; Jasmine Fink, So.; Katelyn Dulin, Fr.
Season outlook: The Bears will rely on seniors Amber Marburger, Alyssa Vu and goalie Laura Wigand to lead a young group that head coach Karen Kooker emphasized has a lot of potential. The Bears hope to improve on last year’s mark, setting their aspirations for a PAC playoff appearance, winning record and district playoff win.
“We are too young to tell though we have potential in each of the positions,” Kooker said of the strength of this year’s Bears team. “We need to play to our potential each and every game in order to challenge the perennial winning teams.”
Daniel Boone
Coach: Autumn Gilmore, first season.
Last year’s record: 6-9-1, 2-7-1 Berks II
Players to watch: Haley Engle, Sr.; Kaylee Siderio, Sr.; Addison Leahy, Sr.; Mackenzie Ring, Sr.; Ashley Finkbiner, Jr.; Taylor Yerger, Jr.; Clara Lacek, So., Devyn Brennan, So.; Aubrey Newman, So.
Season outlook: Daniel Boone found itself near the bottom of the division standings last season, but the Blazers should have a lot of optimism surrounding the program heading into 2019. Senior Haley Engle was an All-Berks II selection last year. Sophomore Clara Lacek, who was an honorable mention for the Blazers, is part of group of youngsters that got a lot of playing time last year. Daniel Boone graduated just two seniors, so first-year Daniel Boone coach Autumn Gilmore should have an experienced group to start her tenure at Boone. The Blazers haven’t had a winning campaign since 2015.
Hill School
Coach: Jen Weissbach, third season
Last year’s record: 14-4-1, Mid-Atlantic Prep League
Players to watch: Alex Conway, Sr., F; Logan Clouser, Jr., MF; Josephine Palde, Jr., MF; Rease Coleman, Jr., MF; Kennedy Cliggett, Jr., MF; Sarah Rogalski, Jr., MF/F; Haley Gable, So., G.
Season outlook: The Blues are coming off an impressive 2018 campaign, in which they won a Mid-Atlantic Prep League title and made it to the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association semifinals.
Head coach Jen Weissbach said this might be the most talented roster in school history, led by a large junior class that already has two college commitments to Duke University (Clouser and Palde). With that in mind, Weissbach set up a challenging schedule for her team, featuring some of the top teams in the state and nationally, with hopes of preparing her team for a MAPL repeat and the first PAISAA title in program history.
“While there is no shortage of talent, finding a way to bring all our talent together and play cohesively at a high level must happen in order for us to be successful,” Weissbach said. “We will be competing against some of the best in the country and need to perform day in and day out at a consistently high level to be successful.
Methacton
Coach: Amanda Fuertsch, 1st season
Last year’s record: 16-9, 5-5 PAC Liberty
Players to watch: Liz Chipman Sr., M/D; Rachel Alderfer, Sr., D; Alexa Kratz, Jr., M/F; Elena Snodgrass, So., M; Sarah Woolston Sr., GK; Kelly O’Donnell, Sr., GK; Celia Long, So., D; Kristen Riddell, So., M, Elise DeWan, Fr., D.
Season outlook: Amanda Fuertsch, a former standout at Owen J. Roberts and Temple University, takes over a Methacton program that went to the district semifinals and state quarterfinals last season. The Warriors won their first PAC title in nearly a decade in 2017, but they missed out on the PAC postseason in 2018. Methacton returns all-area players Liz Chipman and Rachel Alderfer from last year’s team and will have seniors Sarah Woolston and Kelly O’Donnell to try to replace standout Molly Frey in goal. Fuertsch hopes they can blend with the rest of the roster to help Methacton get back to the top of the PAC and even deeper in the postseason
“We have a very strong young group of players led by some very talented seniors and returning varsity players,” Fuertsch said. “Once again, the team will have a lot of skill in the starting line but will have several other players earning plenty of minutes too. Our hope is to build on the experience from the last season to help us be competitive this fall.”
“In order for our team to reach it’s highest potential, we will need to work on our communication,” she added. “Our breakdowns happen when the field is silent and everyone isn’t on the same page.”
Norristown
Coach: Rachel Shuster, sixth season
Last year’s record: 0-13-1, 0-9-1 PAC Liberty
Key Players: Bailee Hendricks, Sr., M; Basimah Curry, Sr., GK
Season Outlook: The Eagles are still looking for their first win since joining the PAC in 2016. Hendricks, an All-PAC Liberty second team selection last season, and Curry will hope to move the program in the right direction this season.
Owen J. Roberts
Coach: Amy Hoffman, fifth season
Last year’s record: 22-3, 8-2 PAC Liberty
Players to watch: Maddi Koury, Sr., F; Olivia Leclaire, Sr., Julia Lamb, Sr., M; Jenna Kirby, Sr., M; Raina Smolij, Jr., M; Rory Cahill, Sr., D; Cayden Jarvis, Sr., GK; Emily Himmelreich, Jr., F; Rylee Laloup, So., M; Amanda Turner, Jr., M; Alyssa Greiner, So., D; Makenna McCourt, Jr., D; Maggie Kilgallon, Jr., M
Season outlook: Though they finished behind Perkiomen Valley in the Liberty division standings, the Wildcats won the PAC postseason title and rode the momentum to a District 1-3A title before ending their season with an overtime loss to Hershey in the first round of the state playoffs. The Wildcats graduated three all-league players, including Mercury POTY Natalie Fuertsch, but they also bring back five players who made the all-league team last year. With that much talent back, the Wildcats have the makings of a PAC and District 1 title contender once again. They hope to avenge last year’s early state exit as well.
“Our athleticism, depth of skill, and experience will be strengths for us,” Hoffman said. “We have several talented players returning from last season’s championship teams so we know what it takes to perform at a high level and produce results.”
“The girls recognize that last year’s accomplishments mean nothing for this season,” she added. “They are emphasizing that working together and working hard every day is the only way to achieve their goals of returning to post-season play and winning more titles.”
Perkiomen Valley
Coach: Erik Enters, 11th season
Last year’s record: 23-3, 10-0 PAC Liberty
Players to watch: Danielle Hamm, Sr., M/F; Katie Wuerstle, Sr., M; Kelly Battinger, Sr., M/F; Saige Shine, Jr., M; Cristina Dougherty, Jr., M; Lauren Keyte, So., M; Julia Downing, So., F; Savannah Silvestre, So., D
Season outlook: After Perkiomen Valley put together a dominant regular season last year, finishing undefeated before postseason play, the Vikings lost to Owen J. Roberts in the PAC and District 1-3A championship games. PV topped Easton in the first round of the state playoffs before falling to Wilson in the PIAA quarterfinals. Top scorer Gabby Martina (16 goals, 14 assists) and all-league defender Bryn Marcavage graduated, but the Vikings have plenty back from last year’s talented group. Danielle Hamm (Kent State), Katie Wuerstle (Kent State) and Kelly Battinger (Lafayette) lead a 12-person senior class that hopes to deliver PV its first league title since 2014.
“The key to our success will be finding someone to replace the scoring Gabby provided (8 game winning goals) and the defensive leadership that Bryn exhibited,” PV coach Erik Enters said. “Savannah Silvestre has worked hard in the offseason to be that key defender along with Ari Martina (12th), Gabrielle Muschert (12th) and Anna Dawson (11th). There is a healthy competition for playing time among that group and it only makes them stronger.”
“Our senior leadership and unselfish commitment to a team-first mindset will be our biggest strength,” he added. “We have 24 girls that could easily start on most teams in District 1, so the battle for varsity playing time is intense.”
Phoenixville
Coach: Claire Emplit (head) coach, third Season, Jess Tamburro, fifth season, Alex Staples, first season
Last year’s record: 15-6-1, 9-1 PAC Frontier
Players to watch: Katie Baker, Sr., F; Aubrie Breisblatt, Jr., M; Cassidy Stevens, Sr., F; Nicole Thompson, So., M; Eloise Woodall, Jr., D; Nailah Green, Jr., D
Season outlook: Phoenixville edged Upper Perkiomen in the PAC Frontier standings for the first time since 2015 last season, coming away the No. 2 seed in the PAC playoffs before falling to Owen J. Roberts in the semifinals. The Phantoms won a district playoff for the third consecutive season, but their run was stopped in the quarterfinal round for the second year in a row. After the departure of four All-PAC Frontier first team selections, Phoenixville will look to seniors Cassidy Stevens and Katie Baker to get the Phantoms back in the PAC and district playoffs once again.
“Phoenixville looks to build on last year’s accomplishments by returning to the PAC final four and advancing though the district tournament,” Phoenixville coach Claire Emplit said. “This year’s team has several new players getting significant playing time.
“They must learn to work the ball quickly up the field and find ways to score quickly when the ball is on offense,” she added.
Pope John Paul II
Coach: Lex Versak, first season
Last year’s record: 5-11, 5-5 PAC Frontier
Players to watch: Maeve Riley, Sr., M; Katie Schiele, Sr., D; Annie Rathgeb, Jr., M; Nina Mariano, Sr., F
Season outlook: Head coach Lex Versak has an experienced group to work with in her first year at the helm of the Pope John Paul II program. The Golden Panthers have nine seniors returning, including all-league players Erin Bell, Maeve Riley and Julie Nentwig along with Katie Schiele and Nin Mariano. The deep senior group along with some talented juniors and sophomores could help PJP compete for a PAC playoff spot and get back to the District 1-2A playoffs for the third time in four years.
“PJP returns nine seniors, which gives us the sound foundation and strong leadership to pull from for the upcoming season,” Versak said. “The girls have been working hard and have shown the ability to make adjustments on the fly.
“Paying attention to detail is our focus for this year. It’s the little things that we are narrowing in on and finishing strong. Specifically, rebounds off the keeper, executing corners, outlet strong on defense etc. Once we successfully have the small details mesh, I have full confidence this team will have one of their most successful seasons.”
Pottsgrove
Coach: Jodi Sproule (head coach), third season; Jess Bedard, third season; Alex Kriebel, first season
Last year’s record: 7-9-2, 3-5-2 PAC Frontier
Players to watch: Bailey Murphy, Sr., M; Riley Simon, Jr. M; Kathryn Henriksen, Sr., F; Jayde Yorgey, Sr., F
Season outlook: Pottsgrove has 19 upperclassmen returning this season, and head coach Jodi Sproule hopes that will help the Falcons continue to grow in her third year. The Falcons had trouble scoring the ball against the top teams in the Frontier division last year, and that is somewhere they hope to improve upon this season with all-league forwards Bailey Murphy and Riley Simone back in the mix. Sproule’s close relationship with this year’s group could make for a special season.
“I have had the opportunity to coach many of these girls since middle school, so I have been with the majority of the team for five years,” Sproule said. “This team is a family, and they care a lot for each other. It is important to know and support your teammates, and this group has truly bonded as friends.”
The Falcons have worked very hard the last two years to build up their program,” she added. “This year, we had a great turnout for tryouts and we have a lot of returning players. With a roster of 10 experienced seniors and 9 juniors, we have the potential to make things happen this year.”
Pottstown
Brandy Scherer, 14th season
Record: 3-9-5, 1-6-3 PAC Frontier
Overall 3-9-5
Players to watch: Lillian Stirk, Jr., GK; Courtney Bratten, So., F; Taetum Robbins, Fr., D; Evelyn Estes, So., M; Debra Laula, So., F; Mia Bumbarger, So., D
Season Outlook: Pottstown will rely on a lot of youth this season as it tries to replace a senior class that included all-league players Da’zah Regusters and Reilly Owens. Junior goalkeeper Lillian Stirk and sophomore forward Courtney Bratten, a second team All-PAC Frontier selection, are the top returning starters, while a number of freshman and sophomore will be looked upon to fill the holes left by last year’s senior class. The Trojans might suffer some lumps this season, but it could be a building block for the young nucleus in seasons to come.
“We are extremely young this year,” Pottstown coach Brandy Scherer said. “We graduated six seniors that were starters and the core of the team for four years. Our focus this year is to really focus on the basics, understand the game, and celebrate the small successes each day. It will be a learning experience but with dedication and determination, the team will see positive growth this season.”
Spring-Ford
Coach: Jennie Anderson, ninth season
Last year’s record: 12-7-1, 5-5 PAC Liberty
Players to watch: Kate Crist, Sr., M; Ashley Della Guardia, Sr., GK; Lauren Constantine, Sr., D; Shannon Kennedy, Sr., M; Mackenna Maloney, Jr., F; Alexa Collins, So., F; Abbey Boyer, Jr., M; Olivia Wilson, Sr., D; Angelina Pinciotti, Sr., F; Gabby Ward, Sr., D; Kylie Martin, Sr., F
Season outlook: Spring-Ford finished fourth in a loaded Liberty division last season, but found a way to host a district playoff game, where they beat Pennridge, only to face PAC champ and eventual district champ Owen J. Roberts in the next round. Spring-Ford was hit hard by graduations, but the Rams have another deep senior class to take their place. Senior Kate Crist was a first team All-PAC Liberty player last season. Spring-Ford will once again be challenged by experienced Perkiomen Valley, Owen J. Roberts and Methacton teams as they try to compete for a PAC and district playoff spot.
“I believe our biggest strength will be our ability to defend,” Spring-Ford coach Jennie Anderson said. “From the forwards to our goalies, everyone takes pride in playing clean and smart defense…We have a lot of players playing together for the first time, so it will be important for us to communicate and work together in order for us to be successful.”
Upper Merion
Coach: Angie Yanocha, 14th season
Last year’s record: 2-13-2, 1-8-1 PAC Frontier
Players to watch: Samme Deskiewicz, Sr., F; Olivia Colatriano, Sr., D; Anandeep Singh, Jr. GK
Season outlook: Upper Merion joins Pottstown as a young Frontier division team hoping to see growth throughout the season. The Vikings graduated four key contributors, including first team All-Frontier performer Molly Weygand. Seniors Samme Deskiewicz and Olivia Colatriano will be looked upon to provide leadership on both ends of the field because as many as seven freshman could see playing time to start the season.
“We are a very young team,” Upper Merion coach Angie Yanocha said. “In our first scrimmage, seven freshmen saw playing time. Our goal is to work on getting our young players acclimated to the varsity level, build team chemistry, continue to work on fundamentals and grow as a team throughout the season. The team brings a lot of energy and a positive work ethic.”
Upper Perkiomen
Coach: Jamie Warren, 13th season
Last year’s record: 11-9, 9-1 PAC Frontier
Players to watch: AiYi Young, Sr., M; Tori Williams, Sr., D; Luci Carpenter, So., D; Kylene Gooch, So., F; Jenna Fiorito, Sr., F; Micheala Greczek, Sr., M; Colleen Crenti, Jr., D; Bella Carpenter, Jr., D; Takoda Wells, So., D; Lynssi Joyce, So., GK
Season outlook: Upper Perkiomen has a good chunk back from last year’s squad that tied with Phoenixville for first place in the PAC Frontier division and fell by just one goal in the PAC semifinals before suffering another one-goal defeat in the first round of districts. Al-league players AiYi Young, Tori Williams, Luci Carpenter and Kylene Gooch all return. Upper Perkiomen went to the District 1-2A semifinals in 2017 and will look to move deeper into the PAC, District 1 and state playoffs this season after two postseason heartbreakers a year ago.
“(Upper Perkiomen) is led by a group of five seniors who are ready lead the team into strong non-league, league, district and state play,” Upper Perk coach Jamie Warren said. “We are looking forward to the competition we will face this season. Our goal is to continue to work hard at developing team chemistry and succeeding on and off the field.”
