Led by Head Coach Jenny Payne and Assistant Coach Shannon Opie, the FCHS Field Hockey team is swinging into their season despite losses. As of Sept. 23, varsity’s record is 0-5, and JV’s record is 0-4.
“We are only in our 6th year as a program, so compared to our district schools, we are a very young program. Many of our players are playing for the first time. We are young but getting better each day. The girls work hard every day, and the wins will eventually come,” said Coach Payne.
“We have many returning players and a lot of new faces trying the sport for the first time, which is great for the sport of field hockey and the growth of the program. Everyone is improving and learning each day, and I am looking forward to the continued growth of each girl in the program,” said Opie.
On varsity, goalie Savannah Peterson, midfielders Aleah Anderson and Claire Petrylak, and defenders Reagan Wood and Zoe Jeffries are among the standout players this season.
“So far, the season has been going well. The team chemistry is amazing, and you can really see the growth. Currently, I hold the school record for the most saves, but I’ve set my eyes on earning the district record, and I’m almost certain I am a little under 100 saves away from it. I’m hoping that we will continue to show out throughout the season and show everyone what an awesome sport field hockey is,” said Peterson.
JV defenders Mallory Jones and LaMya Johnson, midfielder Ann Kraft, and forward Caroline Dahl are among the standout players for JV working to bring the team to its full potential.
“This season has started off rocky for us, but I can gradually see our team improving together. My main goal is to win our real first game. We have been close before, so I know we can do it,” said Jones.
The team practices from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and the occasional Tuesday and Thursday when they do not have a game. They condition almost every weekday in the season before games start, and constantly do drills and games in practice to improve their gameplay.
“The program is still relatively new. We’re just getting our feet off the ground. We expect that as the season continues, we will keep getting better,” said senior player Delaney Feury.
Upcoming field hockey games include Sept. 25, home against Monticello, Sept. 30 away at Albemarle, and Oct. 2, home against Western. For more information and updates on FCHS field hockey, visit Flying Fluco Sports.
