2024 Morris/Sussex field hockey team-by-team preview capsules

NJAC-American

CHATHAM

Coach: Kaitlin Leyden, 10th season

Last year: 15-3, 9-1 NJAC-American co-champion; Morris County Tournament champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Allie McCaffrey; Sr. M Fiona McSweeney; Sr. D Kaitlyn Lee; Jr. M Keira McManus; Jr. D/M Lucy Pyper; Jr. F Emma Shushansky; So. F Molly Chazen; So. G Georgia Lee; So. M Ava Ewing

Newcomers: So. F/M Emily Deutch; So. D Simone Claps

Outlook: Veteran Chatham wants to defend its MCT title and get to the Group 3 North final.

MENDHAM

Coach: Elizabeth Tolley, second season

Last year: 14-5

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Halle Ferrara; Sr. M Claire Stolarski; Sr. F Lily Chandler; Sr. D Sienna Santomo; Jr. M Stephanie Smith

Newcomers: Jr. M Victoria Borchard; So. M Kenleigh Wishert

Outlook: After graduating 14 seniors, Mendham is focusing on positioning, double teams and connecting passes.

MORRISTOWN

Coach: Katherine DeBiasse, seventh season

Last year: 2-14-1

Returning letter-winners: Jr. D Mia Osiecki; So. F Lucy Delatush; So. D Maeve Hulsy

Newcomers: Fr. M Elliot Szporn

Outlook: The Colonials hope to improve.

More: Randolph's Amanda Magadan Golini will be captain of USA Field Hockey at 2024 Olympics

RANDOLPH

Coach: Gina Adickes, eighth season

Last year: 12-6-1, 5-4-1 NJAC-American

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Kayla Pentz; Sr. M Lindsey Bona; Sr. M Morgan Heller; Sr. F Rebecca Dasti; Sr. G Jessa Altemose; Jr. D Bowie Manning; Jr. D Daniella Gizienski

Newcomers: Sr. D Emily Dolan; Jr. F Jillian Liebhauser; Jr. F Catalina Martinez; So. M Lia Carroll; So. M Allison Ferry

Outlook: Building around a veteran midfield, Randolph hopes to play spoiler in the challenging NJAC-American.

WEST MORRIS

Coach: Traci Buchanan, 11th season

Last year: 10-8-1, 4-5-1 NJAC-American

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Macy Sabo; Sr. F Eliza Pickard; Sr. M/F Lauren Carbon; Sr. F Kelsey Mack; Sr. D Caitlin Ashburn; Jr. M Kaia Jackson; Jr. D/M Sophia Guzman; Jr. G Sania Madane; So. M Madison Candura; So. M Riley Cline

Newcomers: So. F Abbigail Prata; So. F Ceci Holl; So. M Madi Reed; Fr. M Lexi Buchanan

Outlook: The Wolfpack expects to continue to improve.

NJAC-National

MORRIS KNOLLS

Coach: Patricia Fornaro, sixth season

Last year: 9-9-2, 5-3-2 NJAC-National

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Shivani Bapatla; Sr. F Colleen McGavin; Sr. D Louise Miniter; Sr. M Emily O’Dell; Sr. M Lily Pacconi; Jr. F Mackenzie Comprelli

Newcomers: Sr. G Emily Hollner; Sr. Maddie Green; Sr. Sydney Hu; Sr. Brooke Kopec; Sr. Lily MacNaughton; Sr. Eva Shemon; Sr. Giuliana Verdiccio; Jr. Mady Barchetto; Jr. Eva Critchley; Jr. Riana McNally; So. Elizabeth Boyle; So. Abby Gerdes; So. Brynn Weldon

Outlook: After the graduation of 13 seniors including three-year starting goalie Gretchen King, Morris Knolls is counting on younger players who came up through the Denville Diamond rec program.

MOUNT OLIVE

Coach: Kelly Livingston, 10th season

Last year : 10-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Isabella Cefola; Sr. D Sydney Cerasoli; Sr. D Briana Costa; Sr. D Ellie Costanza; Sr. F Cydney Fink; Sr. D Emily Harris; Sr. F Kylie Tessier; Sr. G Mia Zebi; Jr. F Juliette Burleigh; Jr. F Brooke Feeney; Jr. M/F Mishel Kurt; Jr. M Brielle Magrini; Jr. M Grace Puello; Jr. M/F Jayla Roberts

Newcomers: Sr. D Gabriella Doehler; Sr. F Julia Jobbins; Jr. M Faith Coronato

Outlook: The Marauders are building from a veteran back line.

PARSIPPANY HILLS

Coach : Ari Camayo, first season

Last year: 4-10-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. Gelia Brutus; Sr. Amelia Marrotta; Sr. Samantha Jelley; Sr. Riley Mogan; Sr. Tabitha Davis; Jr. D Amelia McIntosh; So. F Aubrey Moore; So. M Brenna Wittig; So. M Jasmine Ignacio

Newcomers: Fr. Emma Kaczmarek; Fr. Ava Tahiri; Fr. Emily McGee

Outlook: Camayo, a former Morris Hills assistant, inherits a rebuilding squad from Amanda DeJessa, the head coach for six years.

POPE JOHN

Coach: Joanne Hoover, third season

Last year: 4-11-2

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Meredith Severinsen; Sr. D Gabriella Bisbing; Sr. M Gianna Bisbing; Sr. G Tricia Kelly; Sr. F Katie Klebez; Sr. D Rebecca Walker; Jr. Kaitlyn Honig; Jr. M/D Brooke Fox; So. D Olivia Zywicki

Newcomers: Jr. Briden Stellato, Jr. G Evelyn Gerald, Jr. Laura Celis; So. F Reese Van Benschoten; So. F Anna Spaanstra; Fr. Kendall Weiss

Outlook: The Lions hope to compete in the NJAC-National and HWS, and qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament.

ROXBURY

Coach: Kate Norgard, second season

Last year: 5-12-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Ayla Hart; Sr. M Julia Katz; Sr. M Sophia Olives; Jr. D Ava Pennisi; Jr. F Brooke Franetovich; Jr. G Vanessa Panella; Jr. D Amanda Pieklo; So. F Avianna Zanni

Outlook: After a season of experience, Roxbury has more confidence.

SPARTA

Coach: Corinne Bright, sixth season

Last year : 9-10, 9-1 NJAC-National champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Mairin Byrne; Sr. M Ava Capeci; Sr. D Ella Duphiney; Sr. G Keara Hynes; Sr. F Eliana Intorrella (6g); Sr. F Kailyn Moughrable (7g, 2a); Sr. D Makenzie O'Neil; Jr. M Leah Albers

Newcomers: Sr. F Emily Karpowich; Sr. F Samantha Roddy; Sr. D Brooke Wydenbach; Jr. M Sophie Ku; Fr. M Cassandra Ailara

Outlook: Sparta is rebuilding after graduating most of its starters.

NJAC-Independence

PARSIPPANY

Coach: Kathryn Todero, fourth season

Last year: 5-11-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Carrie Allen; Sr. D Cristina Garnica; Sr. F Ariana Johns; Sr. F Georgia Kachulis; Sr. M Sarina Mostatabi; Sr. M Anya Patel; Sr. G Adriana Saco; Sr. D Eva Schmieder; Jr. M Olivia Santulli; Jr. D Mackenzie Sibilia; So. G Angelica Blair; So. M Olivia Freire; So. M Alexa Santulli; So. F Ariana Zajac

Outlook: The veteran Red Hawks expect to improve.

PEQUANNOCK

Coach : Diane Bannon, 11th season

Last year: 10-9

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Maddy DeFilippo; Sr. D Dominique Dygos; Sr. F Nicole Chavez; Sr. F Grace Visscher; Jr. F Mia Cristofano; So. D Riley Berringer; So. F Sarah Robinson

Newcomers: So. D Natalie Billello

Outlook: Speedy Pequannock is counting on younger players to step up.

ST. ELIZABETH/MORRIS CATHOLIC

Coach: Mike Rubright, first season

Last year: 12-4-2, 4-2 NJAC-Independence

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Addie Heuck; Sr. F Ella Delatush; Sr. F Emerson Lezynski; Sr. M Kayle Brody; Sr. F Scarlett Claps; Sr. M Zoe MacWhannell; Sr. D Kiersten Gahn; Jr. D Annie Rojack

Outlook: Rubright inherits an experienced squad from Jessica Cullari, the coach for nine seasons.

WHIPPANY PARK

Coach: Brad Callahan, second season

Last year: 1-15-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. G Gia Nitto; Sr. F Lacey Iuliano; Sr. M Kaitlyn Mitrenga; Sr. D Victoria Greenberg; Sr. D Brynne Weber; Jr. F Lyndsay Gnardellis; Jr. F Sam Fehir; So. F Leah Hubbard; Jr. M Riley Marcus; Jr. D Kaia Mihalko; So. D Kyleigh Weber

Newcomers: Fr. D/M Callie Williams; Fr. F Samantha Ponte

Outlook: Whippany Park is relying on an experienced midfield.

NJAC-Liberty

BOONTON

Coach: Cindy Tserkis-Schlitt, 11th season

Last year: 18-3, 9-0 NJAC-Liberty champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Elizabeth Harbeson (4g, 13a); Sr. F/M Kaylee Hughen (13g, 14a); Sr. F Jocelyn Martinez (15g, 4a); Sr. D Sidney Figueroa; Sr. D/M Jessica Tracy; Jr. F Gianna DeFrancesco; Jr. G Grace Melgaard; Jr. F/M Gracie Morreale; Jr. M/D Ani Myers (2g, 14a); Jr. M Phoebe Myers; Jr. M/D Sophie Strelkoff; So. F/M Hazel Drew; So. D Bianca Latella

Newcomers: Jr. G Emma Bledsoe; Jr. F/M Hailey Tuohy; Fr. F/M Kayla Melito; Fr. M/D Eleyna Meneve

Outlook: Veteran Boonton hopes to return to the NJSIAA Group 1 North final and win.

MADISON

Coach: Sarah Morano, second season

Last year: 15-6, 6-2 NJAC-Liberty

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M/D Elizabeth Farrell; Sr. M Anna Stuart; Sr. D Emma Wirth; Sr. M/D Sarah Kate Preston; Sr. F Emme Kassis; Sr. G Caitlyn Piotrowsky; Sr. F/M Lila Baisch; Jr. F/M Scarlet Baisch; So. F Celia Stuart (17g, 6a); So. F/M Lindsay Catchpole (5g, 9a)

Newcomers: Fr. Caitlin Nallin; Fr. Bella Blunda

Outlook: Veteran Madison expects to add to its winning tradition.

MORRISTOWN BEARD

Coach: Kate Russo, 13th season

Last year: 9-8

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Ava DiPasquale; Sr. M Brooke Feesq; Sr. D Maya Patankar; Sr. M Emma Teitelbaum; Jr. F Alyssa Benbassat; Jr. M Sarabella Ponsiglione; So. F Keira Walsifer

Newcomers: Fr. F Blake Tiger

Outlook: Morristown Beard is relying on a veteran back line and quick counterattacks.

MOUNTAIN LAKES

Coach: Jennifer Suarez, first season

Last year: 11-7

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Milana Marino; Sr. F Kaylin Oey; Sr. F Kara Swaransky; Sr. D Sophia Schadt; Jr. G Arianna Fragomeni; Jr. M Paulina Roldan; Jr. M Sophia Rutt

Newcomers: Sr. F/M Keilyn Trowbridge; Sr. F/D Alana Saldutti; Sr. D Sabrina Burke

Outlook: Suarez takes over a veteran squad from Coleen Buckley, the coach for 15 seasons.

NJAC-Freedom

HACKETTSTOWN

Coach: Rachael Carpenter, sixth season

Last year: 8-8-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Brynn Otto; Sr. F Kate Brameyer; Sr. F Maddy Ridge; Sr. M Kayla Higgins; Sr. F Maris Van Pelt; Sr. F Ella Matthews; Sr. M Kaitlyn Gutierrez; Jr. M Emma Olsen; Jr. F Ava Castner (17g, 8a); Jr. D Kylie Kaminski

Newcomers: Sr. D Sofia Cardona Sanchez; Sr. F Ella Frost; Sr. F Isabella Nitu Solomon; Jr. G Katie Tunnington; So. M Abby Iansito; So. M/D Emily Schneider

Outlook: Kiara Koeller, who set school records for career goals and assists , is now at Susquehanna. Goalkeeper Emily Newton, who set the record for career saves, is on to Slippery Rock. After significant graduation losses. Hackettstown must come together quickly.

KITTATINNY

Coach: Karen Ruitenberg, first season

Last year: 11-5-2, 4-0-2, NJAC-Independence champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Madison Aguiar; Sr. F Gianna Caruso; Sr. F/M Raeleigh Dippel; Sr. M Erin Hennion; Sr. M/F Kieran Prichard; Sr. F Ava McMullan; Sr. M Lauren White; Sr. D Molly Strong; Sr. M Megan Williver; Jr. D Grace Fusco; Jr. F Samantha Ruitenberg; Jr. D Cadence Sorg

Newcomers: Sr. G Kylie Trilling; So. M/D Madeline Holdt; So. M Naila Gonzalez; So. D Hannah Makowski

Outlook: Ruitenberg returns to the helm of a veteran squad after a 15-year hiatus.

LENAPE VALLEY

Coach: Emily Wisneski, first season

Last year: 8-7-1, 4-3-1 NJAC-Freedom

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Kylee McCracken; Sr. M Cassidy Truesdell; Sr. F Sara Spring; Jr. F Faith Catalano (5g); So. F Kaidyn Gomez (6g)

Newcomers: Jr. Abby Norberg; Jr. Sadie Fagerlin; Jr. Bella Alonzo; Jr. Erin Dietz; Jr. Daniella Ortiz; Jr. Camryn D'Agostino; Jr. Scarlett Zapata; Jr. Lauren Tracy; So. G Sophia Salerno; So. Zoey DeOliveria

Outlook: Lenape Valley is rebuilding after graduating 11 seniors.

NEWTON

Coach: Ashley Tashjian, third season

Last year: 9-6-2, 3-3-2 NJAC-Freedom

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Dani Burgos; Sr. F Mashara Edwards; Sr. D Madison Jones; Sr. M Olivia May; Jr. F Kaitlyn Harding; Jr. M Allyson Maffia; Jr. M/D Emma Trout; Jr. F Jaclyn Vena; Jr. M Caitlyn Neill; Jr. D Taylor Benson; Jr. M/D Jordyn Young; Jr. D Haley Morodan; So. F Meadow D'Annibale

Newcomers: Sr. M/D Ashley Montes; Sr. D Averi Dodd; Sr. G Karlee Reid; Sr. M/D Soia Garibaldi; Jr. D Tamara Taylor; Jr. G Abbie Paglia; So. F Becca O'Brien; So. M/D Layla Calamuso; So. M/D Nicole Benson; Fr. M Alaina Mancuso; Fr. G Ava Kithcart; Fr. F Christina Roque

Outlook: Newton is young and driven to succeed.

VERNON

Coach: Kieran Killeen, ninth season

Last year: 16-3, 7-1 NJAC-Freedom champion

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Kelsey Callahan; Sr. D Chloe DeBonta; Sr. F Abbey DeYoung; Sr. G Emily Getz; Sr. M Abbie Mundhenk; Sr. D Taryn Picariello; Jr. F Teagan Ressler; Jr. M Abby Cawley; Jr. D Sabrina Conklin; Jr. F Elise Giroux

Newcomers: Sr. D Devin Arnold; Sr. F Sara Verge; Jr. M Kayla Jurewicz; So. D Kaitlyn Hordych; So. G Alexis Inoa; So. F Madigan Van Blarcom; Fr. F Samantha Janus

Outlook: Vernon hopes to defend its division title, and make the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex and Group 2 North finals.

NJAC-Colonial

HIGH POINT

Coach: Kelly Reynolds, seventh season

Last year: 3-10-1

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Ashley Boffa; Sr. M Averie Olinger; Jr. F Chloe Kinney; Jr. M Jenna Gianuzzi; So. F Leah Klimas

Newcomers: Jr. D Lauren Lazier; So. M Claire Gushea; So. F Madison Cary

Outlook: High Point continues to rebuild.

JEFFERSON

Coach: Katelyn Cannarozzi, seventh season

Last year: 6=13

Returning letter-winners: Sr. D Grace Castimore; Sr. M Emily Schorr (4g, 6a); Sr. D Katherine Blair; Sr. D Samantha Kepler; Jr. F Olivia Bahamondes (5g, 3a); Jr. M Samantha Young; Jr. D Ella Young; Jr. M Gianna Fox; So. M Cali Hartnett

Newcomers: So. M Silvana Melone; So. G Kacey Osterhout; Fr. M Mariana Montoya

Outlook: Jefferson has a small roster hoping to make a big impact.

WALLKILL VALLEY

Coach: Irene Chernati, 39th season

Last year: 5-7-3

Returning letter-winners: Sr. F Ella Darvalics; Sr. G Antonella Ferrari; Sr. D Lizzy Byra; Sr. D Rihanna Osborne; Sr. D Hanna Garofano; Sr. D Gabby Cox; Jr. D Sadie Biondo; Jr. F Ally Callejas; Jr. M Jenna Cammarata; Jr. F Lexi Cammarata; Jr. D Olivia Fisher; Jr. D Alexa Schlereth

Outlook: Veteran Wallkill Valley expects to improve.

North Jersey Interscholastic Conference

BUTLER

Coach: Kate McAuliffe, 18th season

Last year: 7-12

Returning letter-winners: Sr. M Sam Barile; Sr. D Veronica Brynczka; Sr. M Annaka Pierce; Sr. D Karina Thompkins; Jr. F Joie Misa; Jr. F Mackenzie Napoli; So. F Caity Laner; So. M Chloe Montgomery

Newcomers: Jr. D Anna Toytik; So. G Sarah Bird; So. F Julianna Tillie; So. M Annabella Cole

Outlook: Butler hopes to make up for inexperience with hustle and perseverance.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: 2024 Morris/Sussex field hockey team-by-team preview capsules