Last season the Milford field hockey team turned in a solid regular season record of 11-4. The goal was that the Buccaneers would be able to advance deep into the tournament. Unfortunately, they would fall short of that goal as they fell in heartbreaking fashion, on the road to eventual title runner’s up Charter School of Wilmington, in overtime of the quarter finals. The loss was a crushing one for a team with lofty dreams and losing a good number of seniors to graduation.
This year, every team starts with a record of 0-0 and Milford head coach Andrea McPike understands this.
“While we had some very good seniors last season, we also had some very good underclassmen who saw significant playing time,” McPike said. “These are the players that will be the next generation of leaders, and we believe that they are quite capable, I am very excited about the season ahead.”
While this year’s group numbers only 20 players, there is quality on the field.
“These girls have been in the program for a while and understand how to play the game correctly. As a result, a few players will see extra minutes, but I believe they will be up to the challenge,” McPike said. “Once again it is about players that have bought into the system since a young age. They have the knowledge and skills required to be Buccaneers, I’m very confident this team will get the job done.”
Among the players returning this season will be junior Molly Masten, a 1st team All-Conference and 2nd team All-State selection at midfield. Other juniors who played major roles on last year’s season who will be expected to step up their games and leadership will be attacker Julianne Dickerson, midfielders Kate Joseph, Scarlett Fitzgerald and Olivia Evans.
“As sophomores these players were good, now we are asking them to be better and they are responding. It has been a lot of fun to see how these players have improved and to see how hard they worked in the off-season to get there.” McPike stated.
Three seniors will be relied on to provide a steady hand. Taking a look at the defensive standpoint, 1st team All-Conference selection Madi Stahl will be returning in goal. This is huge in the fact that major changes are occurring on defense.
“Madi has always had great communication with the players in front of her. While it may take a bit of time for the defense to get completely up to speed, she has already shown herself vital to teaching her teammates what is expected of them.” McPike stated.
The other two returning seniors are 1st team All-Conference selection Isabel Betts, who can play both midfield and attack, along with fellow senior Leah Metzner, who played both defense and midfield last season.
“The way the upperclassmen have been jelling is a very positive sign. Each and every player knows that this is a team effort, and they have been embracing it all. Even though we have only been practicing for three weeks, it is very easy to see this is a team, a team that is very close and cares about each other. These are the intangibles you can’t teach.” McPike said.
Perhaps the greatest strength Milford may have is that of former players coming back to coach. With several on staff, it is making the teaching aspect easier for McPike and also fills her with a sense of pride.
“It is wonderful to have former players here, as we keep building the culture. These women are giving back, showing what it is like to be part of the Milford family. That is something that the younger players see and know that this is a family. They get this is about community and culture, it’s wonderful to see.” McPike stated.
