Editor's note: This article was originally written in the midst of the field hockey season.
So far the starting season for the Nokomis Field Hockey team has been rough. The girls have a record of 2 and 5 as of right now. The girls are continuing to play hard and hope to make it as far as they can this season.
There has been some amazing young talent that has come onto the team this year. Freshman's Brianna Townsend, Jenna Baird and Morgan Graves have clearly earned their starting spots on varsity already. Townsend, starting as center forward, has been a big help to the warriors so far. She has scored multiple goals already and her tight stick skills are a tremendous help on the field. You wouldn’t believe it watching her play but Morgan Graves picked up a stick just last year during the 2018 season as an 8th grader. She now starts as center back and is a powerhouse in the defensive line. She can carry the ball wide and get it anywhere.
Baird, starting as either right mid, right back and sometimes switching to left forward, has been a great addition to the team. She is a great defensive player and can carry the ball quickly up the field with her speed. Baird is a very versatile player and you can catch her at almost any position.
Lauren Burke and Cassidie Newhall are the teams only seniors this year. Burke, starting as the center mid, is a key player for the Warriors. She has had a strong passion for the game since she was young. Burke has amazing stick skills, speed and can get through just about anyone on the field. She has committed to Merrimack College and she will fulfill her field hockey career there next fall. Burke will be missed when the 2019 field hockey season is over.
Cassidie Newhall is a key player as well. During preseason she was trying to overcome an ankle injury, she quickly recovered and was back on the field in time for the season opener. Starting as right forward, she has helped carry the team with her drive to bring the ball up the field and to the goal. She puts up a fight every game and has helped the team greatly so far this season.
The Nokomis field hockey team intends on making it to the playoffs and will continue to fight hard until they make it to where they want to be. With the young talent and multiple other key players on the team, the warriors have the potential to win it all. The team is coached by Taylor Lovely, Katie Thompson and Michelle Paradis, who have put in a great effort to make the team great. They are definitely dreading having the seniors leave but very excited for the upcoming 2020 season.