On Oct. 29, the Westfield girls field hockey team ended their season after a 4-0 loss to No. 16 in the state, Kent Place. The girls showed their determination to keep the game competitive and limit the scoring from Kent Place’s offense. Although the girls ended their season with a 3-13-2 record, in no way was the season a disappointment.
Leading into the 2026-27 season, the girls field hockey team had just six returners and many key slots vacant. Although the season was considered a rebuilding year, the team started off strong with a 3-1 win over Milburn on Sept. 2. The girls then took on Verona on Sept. 10, and fell to a 4-3 loss in overtime. This would be one of the five OT’s on the season that the team fought through, in which they either tied or fell short.
Senior captain Caroline Loggie said, “We had great side line work getting the ball up the field, but a weakness of ours was being able to finish on goal which led to opportunities we weren’t able to capitalize on.”
Regardless of the OT games not ending the way the girls wanted them to, it showcased how relentless they were as a team as they always fought till the end. Their team dynamic was a major contribution to how the team was able maintain positivity and stay supportive of one another through both the ups and downs.
Junior Brienna Madara said, “Despite the losses, I think as a team we really improved, and I think our determination and teamwork was definitely part of it. Our team chemistry is like no other team I’ve ever been a part of. I consider each and every girl on the team my sister, and I’m really gonna miss that when the seniors are not here next year.”
The Blue Devils added two ties to their record after playing games against Montgomery, 1-1, and Cranford, 0-0, toward the middle of their season. Junior goalie Ava Tankard kept the playing field even during both games, with five saves against Montgomery, and four against Cranford.
While continuing their season, the Blue Devils were now determined more than ever to work harder, get stronger and keep the incredible team chemistry they had put so much effort into building.
Unfortunately, for the girls, their season came to a close a little too quickly following their 4-0 loss against Kent Place, knocking them out of the state tournament.
This season for the Blue Devils was most definitely a rebuilding year for the program, where improvement was focused on more than how many wins or losses the girls attained. Despite their record, the Blue Devils showed incredible potential, especially in their games against Milburn, Metuchen and Newark Academy where they took away 3-1, 2-0 and 6-2 wins.
Although the girls ended the season with an overall losing record, their team chemistry both on and off the field was inevitable, showing that success isn’t measured solely based on wins and losses, but on improvement and growth.
Senior captain Kayleigh Scatigno said, “I think our team bond made us able to connect our passes and work together on the field, having a close relationship off the field only elevates the on-field play.”
Heading into next season, the Blue Devils only look to get better, losing just three seniors and having several starters returning.
