Varsity field hockey tryouts began on Aug. 11. The girls were put through several drills and scenarios throughout the week. They ran several timed miles to showcase their speed. Following the tryouts, the coaches met individually with each player to make cuts. 

The girls traveled to Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware, to play a series of scrimmages against other high schools on Aug. 21. “Two of our scrimmages were against state champions, so it was a different level of play that we had to adjust to,” senior Gail Karimi said.

The team also had several scrimmages against local private schools such as St. Johns and Holy Child. 

Seniors Emily Levine, Anna Keneally and Naomi Brown were named team captains prior to their first game. “I’m really lucky to be someone my coach and friends trust to lead the team,” Levine said.

Coach Casey Fletcher is in her second season as the varsity field hockey coach. “I think we have a lot of potential to win our region this year,” Fletcher said. 

Fletcher also coaches the varsity girls’ lacrosse team. “There is a lot of crossover between coaching lacrosse and field hockey. Field hockey is more about skill and finesse, while in lacrosse, speed is more important,” Fletcher said.

The girls faced off against Watkins Mill at home on Sept. 8. Sophomore Naomi Esterowitz showed off her crafty skills and speed as she got past the defenders with ease and scored a goal early in the first quarter. The Patriots continued to put pressure on the Watkins Mill defense for the entire game, cruising to a 6-0 victory. Karimi and Esterowitz both finished with two goals each. “It was a good first game and a good way to start the season,” Karimi said.

The team traveled to Rockville on Sept. 13. The girls continued their dominant play from the previous game, jumping to an early lead. Esterowitz led the offense with another two goal performance. The team finished with a big 4-0 victory. 

On Sept. 17, they played at Blair bright and early in the morning. The game was back and forth the entire time, but the girls fell short losing 2-1. 

The girls have formed bonds with each other this year and it has shown through their play on the field. “We are all really good friends outside of the sport so we always have a good time together during practice and we always motivate each other on the field,” Levine said.