Field hockey: Lower, Middle each optimistic for improvement

Posted: September 6th 2023

The seniors on the Lower Cape May field hockey teaLayla Nunez, Genna Sequella, Ryan Salinsky, Ella Mogavero, Emma Tester, Maya Daly, Brianna Loper.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

The two area field hockey teams are each seeking better results this fall, as each has many players back from last year’s teams.

The following is a look at the field hockey teams from Lower Cape May and Middle Township:

LOWER CAPE MAY

After losing a talented senior class from the year before, Lower Cape May struggled a bit last fall, going 3-8-3 with an inexperienced team. With many of those players back, the Lady Tigers expect better results this fall.

Six seniors lead the way for the Lady Tigers – Bri Loper (D), Camryn Lyberger (D), Ella Mogavero (MF), Emma Tester (D), Ryan Salinsky (F) and Layla Nunez (GK). Salinsky is the team’s top returning scorer, having posted three goals and five assists last fall.

Olivia Lewis (MF), Sophia Sharp (MF) and Maddie Groetsch (F) are the team’s returning juniors. Sophomores who saw varsity action last season include Mia Mogavero (F), Nora Shoffler (F), Giordanna Raymond (D) and Reilly Satt (D).

The top newcomers include sophomores Madison Nuttal (MF) and Holly O’Neill (D).

Anne Bracken returns for her eighth season in charge of the program. She’s assisted by JoAnn McLaughlin, Maddie Craig and Michelle Loper.

Lower Cape May travels to Oakcrest for its opener Thursday.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

Middle Township returns seven starters from a team that finished with a winning record last season (10-9-2) under head coach Janina Perna (13th season), who won her 150th game as head coach last fall.

Senior Abbie Teefy (MF) was one of the CAL’s top playmakers last season, posting 17 assists to go along with five goals. Sophomore Allie Brady (F) returns after scoring eight times last season, along with sisters Hannah Cappelletti (MF) and Abbey Cappelletti (MF), who each netted seven goals in 2022.

Other returning seniors include seniors Gia Famiano (D), Alyssa Morrison (D), Paige Hearon (D), Hannah Hagan (GK) and Anyiah Torres (MF/F). Others with varsity experience include juniors Jax Pickering (MF), Gwen Boal (F) and Sydnie Hunter (D) and sophomore Julia Clarke (F).

Morrison and Teefy are serving as team captains.

New varsity players vying for time include junior Aubrey McGarrity (D), sophomores Addison Shagren (F), Julianne Nagle (F) and Iyanna Reghan (D) and freshmen Elle Curvan (F), Layla Hagan (MF), Zoe Hagan (GK) and Olivia Famiano (D).

Middle Township’s season opener is Thursday at home against Buena.