Lower, Middle poised to compete in field hockey

Posted: September 4th 2024

Lower Cape May's field hockey seniors include (from left) Olivia Lewis, Cheyenne Hamby, Sophia Sharp and Maddie Groetsch.

By BRIAN CUNNIFFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The high school field hockey season is set to begin this week for teams from the Cape-Atlantic League.

The following is a look at the two local schools with field hockey programs – Lower Cape May and Middle Township:

LOWER CAPE MAY

The Lady Tigers featured only four senior starters last fall but still managed a relatively competitive season that finished at 6-7-4. With a bit more experience, Lower Cape May is optimistic it can challenge for a winning record in 2024.

The team is still on the young side, with just four seniors on the roster. One of those, Maddie Groestch, figures to lead the team’s offense after posting a team-best eight goals last season.

Other returnees include seniors Cheyene Hamby (the team’s main starter in goal last season), Olivia Lewis and Sophia Sharp. Juniors include Nora Shoffler (six goals in 2024), Reilly Satt and Giordanna Raymond. Sophomores expected to be major contributors include Brooke Robinson, Greta Shepanski and Marla Groetsch.

Anne Bracken enters her 10th year as the team’s head coach. Longtime assistant coach JoAnn McLaughlin also returns, with recent former players Eden Brojakowski and Makayla Hueber joining the coaching staff for the first time.

“We hope to be competitive within our division,” Bracken said.

Lower Cape May opens the season Thursday with a home game against Mainland.

In addition to Mainland, the Lady Tigers are in the Cape-Atlantic National Conference along with Cedar Creek, Middle Township, Millville and Oakcrest.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

Middle Township’s overall numbers are down but the talent level is excellent.

Although some key seniors graduated, Middle returns many of the players that helped the team to a 14-4-1 overall record and the Cape-Atlantic United Conference regular-season title.

Middle should be a fine offensive team as the club’s two leading scorers from a year ago in junior MF Allie Brady (18 goals) and senior F Gwen Boal (13 goals) each return. Junior MF Julia Clarke (nine goals in 2024) is also a proven scoring threat.

Other top players with varsity experience include junior MF Abbey Cappelletti and sophomore F Elle Curvan.

Other returning players from last year’s team include senior MF Jax Pickering, senior B Sydnie Hunter, senior F Aubrey McGarrity, sophomore B Layla Hagan and sophomore GK Zoe Hagan.

New varsity players expected to make an impact include junior B Natalie Stoltz, junior B Addison Shagren, junior GK Mya Matthews, sophomore F Ally Shute and freshman F Reghan Adoranto.

Janina Perna returns for her 14th season as head coach. She’s assisted by Rachael Dix.

“We feel positive about the season,” Perna said. “We have almost our entire varsity returning and are excited for the new talent in the starting lineup. The team has great chemistry on the field.”

Middle, which has moved up to the CAL National Conference this fall, opens the season Thursday with a home game against Millville.