On Nov. 4, the field hockey team ended their season in the first round of the North 2, Group 4 Sectional Tournament. Despite some obstacles, the girls finished with a record of 16-5 overall, and 12-0 in the Essex/Union Blue conference.
Westfield shut out Newark Academy with a triumphant 7-0 win, advancing their winning record to 3-1 early in the season. Defender and senior captain Abi Mokrzycki had a standout performance putting up two goals, along with junior Kayla Reyes having an assist and a goal in the third quarter. The Blue Devils lit up in the second half, scoring 6 goals and continuing to dominate defensively.
After losing to Glen Ridge last season, the girls faced them again on Sept. 21. However, this time, the outcome was different. The girls remained tied at 2-2 for a majority of the game, but were saved by junior Riley Carr who scored on a penalty corner with no time left in the game.
Following their win against Glen Ridge, they were back in action shortly after, breaking a two-year losing streak against Milburn, winning 4-1. Junior Chloe Martin was awarded player of the game after an amazing play at the end of the fourth quarter, preventing Milburn from scoring.
“Toward the end of the season we were able to work together and use all of the talent we had in the best way possible,” Martin said. “We started to connect our passes and communicate as a team.”
A highlight of the season was the Blue Devils breaking an eight year drought, winning a Essex/Union Blue Conference title for the first time since 2016. “It was a big win for us and the program,” said senior Amanda Williams.
As a team, the girls put a major emphasis on communication. “For the most part, the girls buy-in to what Coach Varhley and I are selling and that makes a huge difference,” said assistant coach Kathryn Dasilva. “You need everyone on the same page.” This understanding fueled the team during their highest points, and is what the players accredited to their success.
Despite their great season, the Blue Devils season came to a close against Hillsborough in the first round of sectionals. However, the girls still look positively on the season as a whole, and what they were able to accomplish this season. Williams said, “Our team chemistry was really strong this year. On and off the field we were always there to support each other.”
Next year, the team will be led by newly announced captains, Martin, Carr and Reyes. “It would be great to win our division again and I think we have the potential to go far in the county and state tournaments,” said Martin. “We want to continue to grow and be the best we can be.”
