Season Preview: Field Hockey Expecting Another Winning Season

The Whaler field hockey team had an excellent season last year finishing with a 13-3-2 record, but graduated seven seniors including captains Maddie Lombardi, Mayson Lower, and Suz Peraner. But this year, the Whalers return a strong class that has head coach Dan Weber believing they can piece together another winning year.

“We still have 10 returners so even after losing seven seniors, we have an experienced group coming back," Weber said. "A lot of the girls in the senior class have played a lot of varsity field hockey. Shelbi Harimon has been on the team for four years. Sophia Yelverton has been on the team for four years. Carley Ray has been on the team for four years. Marin Mooney up to three years. We still have an experienced and really talented group.”

Harimon will reassuming her role as the program’s starting goalie for a fourth straight year. She played well in the team’s “play day” off island which included a 3-0 win over St. John Paul II High School and 1-0 win over Falmouth High School in Barnstable.

“Definitely good to have some consistency in net," Weber said. "She looks good again. She's athletic and she's making some nice saves. She's seen a lot back there now so she's a good, calming presence to have in the back for the defense.”

Weber said Sadie Paterson should be one of the team’s consistent goal scorers after supplying plenty of offense last fall. Clementine Kelly and Evie Phelps are also expected to anchor a heavy load on offense after playing complimentary roles last year.

"Some of our backup forwards last year are very ready to step right in," Weber said. “Sadie Paterson scored goals last year. Clem Kelly scored goals. Evie Phelps scored goals. They maybe weren't starting, but they got plenty of game time last year, and they scored goals in varsity games. I have full confidence that they'll be able to do that again.”

On defense, that is where Weber is continuing to evaluate and try out different combinations. Yelverton will likely contribute in the back end, but Weber said she also could find herself in the midfield. Lil Wullschleger will also play a regular role on defense.

"We've been testing some stuff out. We got a couple of girls coming up from JV that have played a lot of defensive minutes down at JV," Weber said. "We will bring them along and I don't think it'll take too much to get them up to speed.”

The Whalers will begin their regular season on Thursday, September 4^th at home against Falmouth High School at 3:30 p.m. You can view their full schedule here.