Vernon field hockey ready to go

VERNON — The regular season for fall high school athletics has arrived in full force here in the Garden State-and there’s no turning back now. That happens to suit the Vernon High School field hockey program just fine.
After posting a strong overall record of 10-6-3 and advancing to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament last year, the Vikings are ready to go face to face against the tough opponents on their schedule.
Key returning student athletes to the varsity roaster for the Vikings this year include Emma Cahill (senior, goal keeper), Emilee Hamler (senior, midfield), Tori Wascheck (senior, defense), Haley DeBonta (junior, midfield), Carlie Van Tassel (junior, forward) and Alicia Mihalko (sophomore, midfield).
“Emma Cahill, Tori Waschek and Emilee Hamler are our captains for this season," Vernon head coach Kieran Killeen said. “All are experienced players and exceptional role models for our girls. They lead both on and off the field."
The Vikings have a road game at Newton on September 18 before returning home to play Hackettstown on September 20. They then have three consecutive road challenges at High Point, Wallkill Valley and North Warren on September 22, September 25 and September 27, respectively. Vernon is scheduled to close out the month with a home contest versus High Point on September 29.
“[We want to have a] winning record, reach the second or third round of the (NJSIAA) States and reach the third round of Counties," Killeen said. “[We also want to] concede less goals than last year and score more goals than last year."
Vernon gave up 24 goals and scored 35 goals last season.
The Vikings compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference along with High Point, Wallkill Valley, Newton and Hackettstown.
“With the leagues changing and the five top ranked teams being put together, I think it is an open race," Killeen said. “Hackettstown has been very strong and will be even better this year, they are the favorites for sure. Newton, High Point and Wallkill are historically power house field hockey programs and I could see anyone one of them having a great season. Every game will be competitive, I believe we will have our chances in these games and need to make sure we make them count."