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Published on 10/05/1998 All articles from this issue

Lancers off to a fast start in first year of field hockey

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By Pete Borello

Town Crier Staff Writer

The St. Francis High field hockey team may be in its first year of existence, but the Lancers certainly aren't playing like a new team.

St. Francis walloped visiting Gunderson 6-0 in its West Valley Division opener Oct. 7, improving the squad's overall record to 3-1.

Not bad for a team that entered the season without a single experienced player.

"None of our girls have played before," said coach Kathy Lincoln. "We have one player (Christine Costello) who's sister plays in college - that's as close as we get to an experienced player."

However, the 23 varsity members are learning the game quickly, the coach said.

"They're getting better every week," said Lincoln, who played college field hockey at Central Michigan. "If we continue to improve, we'll be in great shape."

Several of the players have soccer backgrounds, according to Lincoln, which has helped their development.

"The soccer players are the quickest to pick it up," she said, "because the strategy is the same."

These players include Pam Skilj, Michelle Baca and Natalie Verna. Lincoln said she's also been pleased with the play of three sophomores: Lauren Campi, Marina Karzag and Michelle Lovejoy.

"They're great athletes and the future of this team," Lincoln said.

The coach seems optimistic about the Lancers' chances of making the playoffs and even winning the division.

The top two teams in the West Valley will advance to the postseason, and Lincoln considers St. Francis and St. Ignatius the front-runners for the division crown.

And what would it mean to the program if the Lancers qualified for the playoffs in their inaugural year?

"It would be phenomenal," Lincoln said, "and that's what we're going for. I think we're over the fact that we're a new team."

The coach cites athleticism and enthusiasm as the main reasons for St. Francis' fast start.

"We have great athletes who seem to enjoy playing and working with one another," Lincoln said. "They just love the game and I hope that excitement continues in the future."

With a total of 70 players coming out for the varsity and junior varsity teams this fall, the program's future seems extremely bright.

"There's been a lot of interest in field hockey," said Steve DeMaestri, athletic director at St. Francis. "I think it will be a viable sport for us."

St. Francis will try to build on its strong start when it hosts Fremont at 3 p.m. today. The Lancers then entertain St. Ignatius at 3 p.m. Friday.