Thursday, November 10, 2011

HFFH 2011

My thoughts on the season

As most of us know, this was my first season as the assistant varsity coach at Harborfields High School. I have been a coach for many years, coaching a variety of levels, but this year and this season was very special to me.

From the very beginning, I was so excited to be a part of this team. Coach Thomas had asked me to be a part of the team for a little while, and I think it was the best decision I could have made. Harborfields School District is completely different from the previous school that I was at. You are all a close knit community  and the love and support you have for your school programs is overwhelming! I knew this summer, when I got the opportunity to coach the girls in the Monday and Tuesday night practices and the 7v7 tournament that I was embarking on a journey that I would never forget.

The 2011-2012 team will always have a special place in my heart. I have never coached a team in which every single individual gave their hearts and souls at practices and games everyday, and was eager to learn more. I have had the privilege this year to coach bright, funny and caring young ladies, and I am so excited to come back next year and do it again.

To the seniors, Kelly, Honey, Allie and Kasey: Thank you so much for all that you have done not only for this year, but for the past four years. Like Coach Thomas said, your contributions these past four years have made the program it is today and I don't think we could ever fully replace what you four have left. It has been my privilege and honor to coach you this year; my only regret is that I had coached you all (at HFFH) sooner. I know that you will all be successful in your future endeavors and I wish you Good Luck next year and the years to come! I expect you all to visit and keep in touch!



I would also like the thank all of the parents, especially Mrs. Santomauro for everything you have done for the team. You have all made me feel so welcomed here and I cannot thank you enough!!

Quick recap of the remainder of the season

I have to apologize for my lack of commitment to this blog for the past few weeks. Between personal endeavors, work and hockey, I have not had a free moment to write and keep you all in the loop! That will change! Let me catch up with the rest of the season and how the girls did.

The last game we played was against Huntington.... which means the next game we played was Ward Melville. This game (10/17) was probably one of the best games the girls played all season! Allie Gold had an OUTSTANDING game (and was also our player of the game). The team played collectively as unit and Morgan Lange played phenomenally in goal with 8 saves. Though the girls lost 1-0, being scored on with four minutes left in the game, it did not feel like a loss. The girls played with class and charisma and the coaching staff was thrilled!

On Wed Oct 19, the HFFH played #1 sead Sachem East and put up quite a fight. Although the girls lost 5-2, the game was very exciting to watch. Sachem East was 3-0 when HFFH was awarded a penalty stroke, which Kasey Stolba scored and two minutes later Gigi Santomauro scored off a corner making it a lose 3-2. The Flaming arrows however found the back of the net twice more to bring the lead up. Kasey Stolba was named player of the game.


On Fri Oct 21, the girls played Smithtown East in probably the most exciting game all season. The girls came back from a 1-0 deficit after the first half and brought the 2nd place team to OT and then strokes. Isabelle Wechsler scored the goal, which was assisted by Kaitlin Cassar. Caroline Saros stepped into the starting line and played an outstanding game. For this, she was our player of the game.


On Monday October 24, the HFFH played Half Hollow Hills and had another great performance, this time, they were able to clench the W! 20 of our 22 girls were able to see playing time and contributed much to the girls success! Katie DeNicola had 2 goals and an assist, Kasey Stolba had 1 goal and 2 assists, Kaitlin Cassar also scored a goal that was assisted by Daniele Miltner. Both goalies got equal playing time and over all the team did a great job! Player of the Game: Katie DeNicola

Wednesday Oct 26 was the last game of the season and the girls played Sachem North. Although the girls dominated throughout the entire game, the Sachem North Arrows persistance took the tornadoes into sudden death strokes and clenched the W! Kasey Stolba had the loan goal of the game and Kelly Malico was named player of the game ! Chandler banks was the starting goalie and did an amazing job in goal! Not only did she play well, but she showed great sportsmanship and leadership.


After the season ended, the coaching staff when to the seating meeting to see where we would place for playoffs. Because of our win against Rocky Point this year, we were required to be ranked above them. AND being the Rocky Point was named Division 2 Champions, HFFH was ranked second for the Class B playoff seating!! This is a first for HFFH season!! The seating for the B- Class stood as following:
1) Sayville
2) Harborfields
3) Rocky Point
4) SWR
5) Miller Place
6) South Hampton
7) Greenport/Shelter Island

Also, a congratulations to 4 JV players for getting moved up to varsity. Claudia Maimon, Nicole Damm, Carley Coyle and Liz Berkery. ! 

First the first playoff game, the HFFH team played Greenport/ Shelter Island at HFFH on 11/1. It was a beautiful day in November and the girls had prepared all week for this match. Unaware of what to expect, the girls game out fighting hard! The girls had worked all season long for this moment and they all wanted the W. The end result: HFFH wins 3-1!! Goals were scored by Kasey Stolba, Isabelle Wecshler and Katie DeNicola. Gigi Santomaruo and Kasey Stolba each had assist to follow Wex's and Katie's goals. Chandler was our goal keeper for the game and she had 4 saves!

Following the game, the HFFH program held its senior recognition night. THANK YOU to all the parents, families, friends and team members who contributed food, beverages and support for this occasion. Coach Emily and Thomas, with a little help by me, made an amazing highlight tape that the team watched together. It was a great way to end a great day!!

After the win against Greenport meant that HFFH was going to face the winner of Rocky Point and South Hampton. Rocky Point won, meaning that HFFH had to face them again. Knowing that it was going to be a tough match, the girls prepared for the biggest game of the season. Unfortunately, the outcome was not as we hoped or planned. Rocky Point scored three goals beating HFFH 3-0. No loss is ever easy, and this is no exception. It was the official last day of the season, and it was over way too soon.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Going Strong!

The HFFH is continuing to persevere in October by playing better and better each game! On Saturday, the HFFH played their rivals, the Devils of Huntington in a nail biting match! Huntington had much improved, showing their skills by scoring first in the first half! This did not deter the tornadoes for they came right back and scored making the score tied at 1-1. The score remained tied for the rest of the game and the two teams were forced to play in overtime!  However, Katie DeNicola scored the game winning goal within the first 5 minutes of OT-- making her player of the game! Sam Gray and Caroline Saros had a lot of playing time in the game and the girls really showed the caliber of their team skill.

On Monday, HFFH faced Ward Melville in probably one of the best games of the season! The Patriots are a very skilled team, but the HFFH really out played and stood out in the game. The defense was poised and composed, the attack was skillfill and worked very cohesively as a team. Unfortunately, the HFFH lost 1-0, but the score was not reflective of the game. Despite the "loss", the coaching staff felt that the HFFH truly won that game. Allie Gold was named player of the game -- her skills and moves were jaw dropping and extremely pivotal to the girls overall success.

On a side note: I would like to say that our defense had a great game. Steph Zamow was patient, calm and poised and cleared the ball out of the circle with hard hits. Junior Captain Isabelle Wechsler stood out as an attacking back, moving the ball and staying strong in the back. And Senior Kelly Malico was a brick wall. Any Ward Melville player who approached her was immediately stopped by Kelly's natural ability in the back field.

Congrats girls on a job well done! Move up move on and forward!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

1-0 WIN AGAINST ROCKY POINT!

Congrats to the HFFH on their 1-0 victory against Rocky Point!! This win was absolutely crucial and important to our season because it will help us in regards to playoff seedings! Kasey Stolba had a beautiful goal that was unassisted in the first half! Defense was phenomenal and made me and the rest of the coaching staff soo proud!! Way to go D!!

Friday the girls play Huntington at home at 4pm! See you there!

WAY to Go HFFH!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COACH!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COACH THOMAS!!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

two wins!

The girls of HFFH continue to play great in the early month of October when they faced the Flamming Arrows of Sachem North on Tuesday 10/4 and Centereach on Thursday 10/6. They ended off this week with 2-0 and it truly was a team effort.

Sachem North gave the HFFH quite the challenge, where Sachem's goalie had 16 saves. The score remained scoreless until Isabelle Wechsler placed the ball behind the net with 2 minutes left in the second half. The goal was assisted by Kasey Stolba. Today the forward and mid's really shone with beautiful ball movement and lots of give and gos. I specifically would like to make note that both juniors Katie DeNicola and Gigi Santamuro were most influential to the team's attack. Though these two girl really stood out to the coaching staff, we believe that all of the girls played extremely well and as a unit.
Player of the game: Gigi Santamuro

Today, the HFFH team played Centereach @ home. From the start, the girls dominated the game. Taking over 25 shots, the girls were able to get 3 goals behind the net. In every aspect of the field, the girls played absolutely great. Great ball movement, communication, give and gos, and lots of defensive channeling. Kasey Stolba scored 2 of the three goals and Katie DeNicola added the last one. Everyone got an opportunity to play which was wonderful and we were able to see some great things from some of the girls who don't get as much playing time. Elyse Katz, Colleen Morgan and Melanie Gray did some really great things out on the field!
Player of the Game: Kasey Stolba  (even though almost everyone could have been the player of the game because they played great!)


The more these girls play together, the more people see how amazing they are -- we the coaches have seen it from the beginning =)

Next game .. Oct 12 against ROCKY POINT!! BIG BIG BIG BIG game !! Come support !! WE need this W!!!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Think Pink!





October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we the HFFH are all in for the fight against breast cancer. To show your love in support, please think pink! Spread awareness, donate, participate in breast cancer awareness fundraisers or activities! Be active ! 

Happy October!

The HFFH is off to a GREAT start for October. On Saturday, Oct 1, the girls played Half Hollows Hills West and played a really fantastic game! The girls played as a team and were able to show how amazing they really are! They won the game 10-0 and we had some first time scorers as well!!

Kasey Stolba 2 goals
Erin Slutter - 2 goals
Allie Gold- 2 goals
Caroline Saros - 1 goal
Daniele Miltner- 1 goal
Gigi Santamuro- 1 goal
Kaitlin Cassar- 1 goal

All the of the got to see a lot of action in the game which was really great as well!! Even our goal keeper, Morgan Lange was able to play some field time in the second half!

This was a great win for HFFH! Congrats girls on a job well done!

Next game: Home against Sachem North on Tues October 4 -- 4pm! See you there!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Weekend update!

So this past weekend, the girls had a challenging match against top seated Sachem East High School. The arrows beat the tornadoes 4-0, but the girls played very well. I have to make note of the defensive in the game because watching the girls double team, channel and step up was like watching a college game. I was very proud of all of our girls overall defense.

And to Ms. Stephanie Zamow!! Who was our player of the game!! Steph showed such poise, composure and tenacity in the back field! It is everything we expected and more!! Congrats on a job well done!!

Tomorrow the girls will play Smithtown East @ 4:30 pm! See you there!!

Friday, September 23, 2011

3-1

Yesterday, HFFH faced Ward Melville and it was quite an exciting match! The girls played a phenomenal game against the Patriots, but couldn't grab the win. Junior Isabelle "wex" Wecshler scored both goals for the tornadoes of the 3-2 final score. The first goal was scored when the tornadoes were awarded a penalty stroke. Wex placed the ball in the top left corner making the game 1-0. The Patriots came back and scored two back to back goals making it 2-1. Two minutes before the end of the first half, Wex scored again off a penalty corner rebound to make the score 2-2.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half, Ward Melville placed the ball in the back of the cage -- making the score 3-2. The score remained this way for the remainder of the game.
Though the girls lost, the match itself was a learning experience and really allowed them to grow exponentially. The coaching staff is extremely proud of their hard work and effort, and we continue to strive forward to our next game.

The next game is tomorrow Saturday Sept 24 @ Sachem East High school at 2:30pm. Hope to see you there

Player of the game: Wex
Goals: Wex (2)
Assist: Kasey Stolba (1)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

3-0!!

On Tuesday, Sept 20th, the tornadoes faced the devils of Huntington.... and came out successful! With another shutout.. the girls came home with another big W with a score of 3-0. Kasey Stolba scored the first two goals, one coming off a corner shot. The ball came from senior Allie Gold and Kasey chip swept it into the right hand corner... a very pretty goal indeed! Kailtin Cassar scored her first goal of the season making the score 3-0. Goals assisted were by Allie Gold and Katie DeNicola.

Morgan Lange had six saves for the game... another shutout!


And Congrats to our player of the game....
Kailtin Cassar!

Tomorrow, the tornadoes will face the Long Island State Champions - Ward Melville. Game starts at 4:15pm! See you there! Go Tornadoes!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Game day!

Come check out HFFH when they play the Blue Devils of Huntington @ 4pm today! Here we go Tornadoes!



                                   VS

Congratulations Kasey!

Kasey was just named lead scorer for Newsday this week! Here are the stats!


Field hockey leaders

from www.newsday.com/sports/highschool/leaders

 

Goals

  Player Class Pos School Goals
1 Taylor Mills -- -- Sayville 7
2 Kasey Stolba -- -- Harborfields 5
3 Carie Znaniecki -- -- Comsewogue 5
4 Liz Athing -- -- Bay Shore 5
5 Erin Dougherty -- -- Comsewogue 5
6 Lindsay Ahrens -- -- North Shore 5
7 Preston Tansill -- -- Locust Valley 4
8 Katie DeNicola -- -- Harborfields 4
9 Hannah Kaiser -- -- Oyster Bay 4
10 Keeling Pilaro -- -- Southampton 4

 

Assists

  Player Class Pos School Assists
1 Kasey Stolba -- -- Harborfields 5
2 Alyssa Groneman -- -- East Islip 4
3 Olivia Cabral -- -- Sayville 4
4 Meagan Cook -- -- Northport 4
5 Meredith Bushell -- -- Shoreham-Wading River 4
6 Kelsey Catalano -- -- Ward Melville 3
7 Samantha Flood -- -- Bay Shore 3
8 Meg Rooney -- -- Smithtown East 3
9 Julia Palermo -- -- Locust Valley 3
10 Bairre Reilly -- -- Locust Valley 3

 

Total Points:

  Player Class Pos School Points
1 Kasey Stolba -- -- Harborfields 10
2 Taylor Mills -- -- Sayville 8
3 Meg Rooney -- -- Smithtown East 6
4 Keeling Pilaro -- -- Southampton 6
5 Carie Znaniecki -- -- Comsewogue 6
6 Preston Tansill -- -- Locust Valley 6
7 Kelsey Catalano -- -- Ward Melville 5
8 Liz Athing -- -- Bay Shore 5
9 Meagan Cook -- -- Northport 5
10 Alex Hagney -- -- Comsewogue 5
11 Alyssa Groneman -- -- East Islip 5
12 Sariah Casiero -- -- Pierson/ Bridgehampton 5
13 Meredith Bushell -- -- Shoreham-Wading River 5
14 Katie DeNicola -- -- Harborfields 5
15 Erin Dougherty -- -- Comsewogue 5
16 Olivia Cabral -- -- Sayville 5
17 Lexi Richards -- -- Northport 5
18 Lindsay Ahrens -- -- North Shore 5
19 Torrye Zullo -- -- Connetquot 4
20 Meggie Gallo -- -- Southampton 4
21 Rachel Finley -- -- Connetquot 4
22 Debi-Michelle Jantzen -- -- Shoreham-Wading River 4
23 Savannah Febesh -- -- Friends Academy 4
24 Jessica Jensen -- -- Lindenhurst 4
25 Mary Kate McCormick -- -- Comsewogue 4
- Julianna Fiorillo -- -- Sayville 4
- Hannah Kaiser -- -- Oyster Bay 4
- Jessica Lodato -- -- Commack 4
- Kaitlyn Taddio -- -- Shoreham-Wading River 4
- Vanessa Pryor -- -- Ward Melville 4     

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Weekend Update!

Hello All! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!! I wanted to give you all an update of the past 2 days!

Saturday: The HFFH Varsity and Junior Varsity teams played against the 4th ranked Northport on Saturday morning. It was a great match for the varsity team who performed very well. In the first 15 minutes the score was 2-0 Harborfields. Northport, came back in the second quarter to score three goals to make the score 3-2. In the third quarter HFFH came back to score 2 goals to take the lead 4-3. However, by the end of the third quarter, the score was tied 4-4. The game ended 5-4 Northport. Though the girls lost, it was a great game to watch on both sides. Northport has a handful of very skilled players and it was a great match for HFFH before we face some top ranked schools in the next few weeks.

Sunday:  On Sunday, HFFH hosted a field hockey clinic for the youth and future players for HFFH! 18 girls, from grades 2-6 came and participated in clinic. The Varsity and JV girls worked one on one with the "clinicers" to enhance their skills and knowledge of the game we all love. Overall success !


In future news, the HFFH has some tough competition this week! On Tuesday, HFFH will face the Huntington Devils! On Thursday, HFFH will face Long Island Champions Ward Melville and on Saturday the girls will battle the girls of Sachem East High School! Hopefully all can come and spectate but if not, I will try my best to update you all.

Go HFFH!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

2-0!!!

Today was another big win for HFFH!!! A very big CONGRATULATIONS to HFFH on their 7-0 win against Centereach!!

The girls took initiative right away and scored 2 goals within the first 2 1/2 minutes of play. As the game continued, the game began to get a big rough. Our own Honey Roche was given a yellow card and thrown out of the game for 10 minutes with 15 minutes left in the first half  Though the call was very questionable, the girls continue to play with composure, even with one man down. By the end of the first half, the tornadoes were up 5-0.
In the second half, the girls began to really open the field and transition ball across the field, allowing for space and movement. During one of the transitions, the ball was passed up to Daniele Miltner on the forward line who gave a cross ball to freshman Sam Gray who one timed the ball into the net. A few minute later,  Kasey Stolba scored her hattrick goal, which was assisted by Caroline Saros.

Goals: Katie DiNicola (3), Kasey Stolba (3) Samantha Gray (1) [first goal for Sam!! One of our freshman!]
Assists: Katie DiNicola (1) , Kaitlin Cassar (1), Caroline Saros (1), Daniele Miltner (1), Kasey Stolba (2)

Goalies: Morgan Lange and Chandler Banks had a shutout!!

Player of the Game: Kasey Stolba

Our Next game will be on Saturday Sept 17 at 10 am at Harborfields--- our first homegame!!

Congratulations girls once again on a job well done!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Big Win!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HF VARSITY FH TEAM!!

For all of you who couldn't come to our game today, HFFH beat Bayport Bluepoint 6-2 ! A huge victory for the Tornados as we now enter our season!!

Stats:
Kasey Stolba: 2 goals, 2 assists
Daniele Miltner: 2 goals
Katie DiNicola: 1 goal 1 assist
Melanie Gray: 1 goal (first varsity game too!)
Allie Gold: 1 assist

Morgan Lange: 2 saves
Chandler Banks: 1 save


This is a great start to our season! But we still have a long season ahead! Let's keep it up!! Congrats again HFFH!!

Player of the Game: Honey Roche

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

BBQ~

    Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow after practice we have our Parent/Student Athlete BBQ at 5:30 pm at Harborfields High School!

We will enjoy the BBQ, eat some food, then reconvene to the North Gym to have our meeting! We will go over the team rules, the schedule and introduce the new staff this year! See you there!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sept 6, 2011

It's been a few days since I last wrote on here .. but its been an extremely busy week! First off, Congratulations to all the girls who tried out and made JV and Varsity! We, the coaching staff, are very proud and impressed with all of your hard work and dedication and we are VERY excited to begin a promising season!

I would also like to Congratulation to Wex ... our Junior Captain!

I just wanted to go over the next few days so we are all aware of our schedule. This week is pretty busy !


9/7- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! Enjoy it!!! Practice is from 3:15-5:15-- RAIN OR SHINE! Make sure you are ready to play!
9/8- Practice - 3:15-5:15 followed by the mandatory Parent-Student-Coach BBQ! @ 5:30!! (Can't wait to meet all of your parents!)
9/9- SCRIMMAGE @ SWR!!! 4pm ! --- followed by Pep Rally @ 7pm!
9/10- Homecoming--- OFF!!
9/11- Practice --- 7:45-10am


On Thursday, you will be getting a schedule for the upcoming season! Congratulations again girls and I can't wait to see how the season unfolds!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tomorrow!!!


     Preseason starts tomorrow!!! 7:30 am!!! Hope you are all prepared!!!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

4 DAYS LEFT!!!!





Only four more days left until preseason begins!!!

REMEMBER:
I. It is suppose to rain. Irene doesn't care that our tryouts are scheduled to start Monday, however, I'm hoping she will be gone up north by then. Make sure you have your rain gear, dry clothes and all of your equipment for Monday. We are starting at 7:45am so be at the school at 7:30 for registration!
II. If you did not hand in your medical clearance forms, you must have them by MONDAY. NO EXCEPTIONS! No forms, no play.
III. Bring lots of water and/or gatorade/powerade. Especially with the heat, you need to make sure that you are not only hydrated but that you are replenishing with electrolytes as well
IV. Come focused! No one likes to see summer end. I'll be the first to say that. But its season time! Positive attitudes =) 

If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact any of us.
       

Sunday August 21, 2011 - 7v7 tournament

  This past Sunday,  a few members of the Harborfields Field Hockey team participated in the 7v7 Summer tournament hosted by Sayville School District. Representing Harborfields FH were the following:

                Kasey Stolba                  Caroline Sarros
                Allie Gold                        Liz Berkery
                (Isabelle) "Wex" Weschler       Samantha Gray
                Stephanie Zamow              Taylor Weiss
                Kelly Malico                    Kristina Mazzola
                Morgan Lange                 Caitlin Cassar

At the tournament, there seven other teams who participated. Sayville and Northport each had two teams, in addition to Rocky Point, Connetquot, and  Lindenhurst. Here are the results of the days tournaments

HFFH vs. Sayville I -- (7-4 ) W
HFFH vs. Rocky Point -- (1-3) L
HFFH vs. Northport -- (4-0) W
HFFH vs. Connetquot ( 5-1 ) W
HFFH vs. Sayville (3-4) L

Stats:
Goals: Kasey (10) , Caroline (3) , Morgan (1), Caitlin (2), Taylor (1), Sam (2), Allie (1),
Assists:Caitlin (1), Kasey (1) Caroline (1)

Needless to say, I was very proud and very impressed with our girls. We scored a lot of goals, beat a lot of really good teams and overall had a great time!











Thursday, August 18, 2011

11 days until preseason!!

Strong Island Try outs

Information provided on the StrongIsland Website

$40 Tryout Fee - Payable to Strong Island Field Hockey


September 10th, 2011
U14 - 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
U16 - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
U19 - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
 
September 17, 2011
U16 - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
U19 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
 
Players Information
Must arrive 30-40 minutes prior to start time to register
Responsible for own equip -  Indoor stick, sneakers, shin guards, mouth guard
Goalie provides own equipment

Age Brackets As follow:
U14 - must be under 14 years of age as of January 1, 2012
U16 - must be under 16 years of age as of January 1, 2012
U19 - must be under 19 years of age as of January 1, 2012
 
 
U12 Program 8 week program beginning in January
U14, U16, U19 Training Squad beginning in January


Monday, August 8, 2011

Tuesday August 9, 2011

Hi Ladies! Just wanted to start the blog off with a reminder about 9-11AM voluntary practice tomorrow. 

Note: because we were unable to practice today due to the 30 second thunderstorm... we plan to stay a little after 11 if we can... if you can come to practice and can stay later... that's great! If not, no worries!

3 weeks until Preseason!!