Vernon field hockey team stays together
VERNON — As the Vernon High School field hockey program made its way from one tough challenge to the next this fall, the unity between the student-athletes on the roster and the coaching staff grew.
Through the ups and downs that most teams are bound to face, the Vikings stayed together and always gave a strong effort, regardless of the opponent on the opposite sideline.
Hollyce Schoepp, the Vernon High School head coach, mentions that leadership was a major factor in a positive sense this season.
“Senior Lindsay Verrico led the defense through the midfield and came on strong scoring on corners the second half of the season," Schoepp said. “Emily Garofalo, one of the four senior captains, led the team in scoring off the left wing with 13 goals and five assists. The four senior captains-Garolfalo, Savanna Artsma, Danielle Ward and Keri Stefkovich-kept team moral high no matter what the score of the game. All of our 14 seniors were excellent role models for sportsmanship, leadership, and camaraderie -no matter what the score of the game.’’
Schoepp noted that Verrico was among the players who demonstrated continued improvements throughout the year, from day one of practice to the final game.
“Verrico was one of the hardest workers on the field," Schoepp said. “She focused and grew as a player each and every game, each and every practice. Juniors Brianna White and Brenna DelBagno were able to show tremendous growth throughout the season-setting themselves up to be leaders in the 2016 season. Freshman Lynni Leggeour worked her way into the varsity lineup by midseason. Her tenacious play in the midfield will be something to watch in the future."
Out of the four victories that the Vikings earned this season, one win in particular stands out as most impressive for the head coach.
“During the Pope John game (a 5-1 win on October 14), five different people scored," Schoepp said. “This showed our ability to work as a team and not rely solely on one player."
The contributions made by this year’s senior class will be missed, but not forgotten.
“Fourteen seniors are graduating this year," Schoepp said. “These ladies consider each other family. What they have achieved goes far beyond the playing field or the win/loss column in the newspaper. What they have achieved is something many spend their lives chasing after-confidence in who they are as both athletes and young women. Their achievement is in the heart and spirit they demonstrate each and every day, each and every practice, each and every game -no matter what the score.
“Vernon has a lot of very young talent coming up through the ranks. These ladies have a lot of spirit, a lot of heart and are dedicated to working off-season to improve their skills."