Rockets committed to achieving success.

Byline: Craig Holt

COLUMN: FIELD HOCKEY 

Watching the Auburn field hockey team run sprints indoors during practice on a hot and muggy Sunday afternoon confirms the obvious. The hard-working Rockets are headed in the right direction.

Though an annual threat to do damage in the Central Mass. Tournament, Auburn has nonetheless raised a few eyebrows with its fast start this season. The Rockets sport a 4-0-2 record thus far, highlighted by a 2-0 victory over defending Division 2 state champion Quaboag Regional. Auburn had an impressive showing earlier this week against Tantasqua Regional, battling the unbeaten Warriors to a 1-1 tie.

Auburn coach Bethann Clemmer looks at her squad and sees a vocal, pass-first unit that is aggressive in front of the net and prefers to spread the wealth offensively. The seniors have provided leadership and been steady while many younger players have rapidly improved. Freshman forward Molly McNamara, for example, has been a standout, as have several junior varsity athletes who saw some productive playing time in a recent varsity game.

Clemmer noted that one younger player, sophomore goalie Shannon Johnson, has been a major factor in the Rockets' fast start. Johnson, the beneficiary of strong defensive play from several players in front of her, did not allow a goal until the Tantasqua game. Clemmer added that team play and good communication have helped at both ends of the field.

"No question, things have gone very well for us - we've really only had one rocky game (0-0 tie with Shepherd Hill)," senior midfielder Molly Prince added. "It has helped that we came into this season in very good shape. Because of this, we didn't have as much ground to cover in the beginning of the season, and were able to start right away working on our skills (stick work, foot work, etc.) and communicating."

Senior defender Kaitlyn LaPrad noted that Auburn's fast start is a continuation of a good thing, since the Rockets were strong last year as well.

"But one of our first goals was to beat Quaboag. We did, and it was a great game, but now we're setting higher goals for ourselves," LaPrad said. "The Quaboag game is just one game - we plan on winning a lot more games. This team has great chemistry. We're also very deep, and we know each other well. We want to go far in the districts."

Auburn's starting lineup includes co-captains Shayna Hipson, a senior midfielder, and senior defender Alanna Richard, and senior forward Chelsea Clemmer, LaPrad, junior defender Kelly Cutting, junior defender Sarah Duda, junior midfielder Blaise Falk, junior defender Brianne Johnson, sophomore forward Gina Lirange, McNamara, and Shannon Johnson. Brianne Johnson and Shannon Johnson are sisters. Chelsea Clemmer is coach Clemmer's daughter.

Chelsea Clemmer has been impressed with Auburn's net play, goaltending and support, the latter both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Richard had a good feeling about the team from the get-go.

"Our forward line is very aggressive in the net, and the mids are very good backing us up," Chelsea Clemmer said. "At the other end, our defense is very aggressive at getting the ball out of the net. Shannon has made some tremendous saves and has saved like two strokes already. That's really amazing for a sophomore."

"We had high expectations going into the season," Richard said. "First week out of school, we're in the weight-room getting ready for the season. We just want to go into every game with a positive attitude. Work hard, try hard and keep the balls away from Shannon."

"We're close-knit, we love each other, and we've always got each other's back," Hipson added. "Our girls know that we're always in it together, win, lose or tie. It helps, too, that we all know each other so well. I think we have a feeling, a certain edge that gives us an advantage over other teams."

Other contributors include senior midfielder Bethany Grantham, junior defender Vera Grek, junior forward Sarah Hendrickson and sophomore forward Erin Stelmach. Bethann Clemmer is assisted by Katy Senior, the JV coach and a former Auburn field hockey player.

Algonquin rolling along

Though the Algonquin Regional field hockey team is off to a decent start (1-1-2), it's not all about wins, losses and ties in Tomahawk land. For example, coach Dan Welty gets just as much satisfaction out of seeing his hard-working players simply improve, even it means losing a tough one here or there.

"We like to focus on skills and play development, things like that," Welty said. "It's also good to hear more girls just talking about the sport and game situations. We also have great captains - players who came up to me before the season and said they want to set the tone and play the Algonquin way. Show the same intensity in practice, warmups and games. So far, things have worked out pretty well for us."

The Tomahawks were at their best the first week of the season when they tied Mid-Wach A power Shrewsbury, 1-1, at the Colonials' field. Shrewsbury held a 1-0 advantage until late in the game when Algonquin junior Nicole Bishop dropped in the tying goal. Algonquin followed that with a 5-0 league win over Milford, made all the more enjoyable for Welty by the fact that five players scored.

"The intensity has been good, better than last year," Welty said. "The Shrewsbury game was a productive tie. The girls were intense, and they played well. They also executed. Our girls are coming along, but there's always room for improvement."

The Tomahawks are sparked by senior captains Molly Wraight, Katie Campbell, Kay Clark and Liz Hegarty. All are midfielders with the exception of Campbell, who is a back. Each has provided Algonquin with hustle and leadership, while encouraging field hockey-themed conversations. Campbell is an all-around force on and off the field, and has organized a food drive for the local food bank.

Welty sees good things in all his players. Bishop is a hard-working, committed player who has been involved in numerous summer field hockey camps and plays for a club team in the offseason. Senior goalie Jenna Williams is improved and has valuable experience. Senior Jen Ballen has missed two years due to injury, but is now healthy and anchoring the defense. Ice hockey players Amanda Yee, a junior, and Clark provide hockey's aggressiveness to the middle of the field.

Two-year starter Rachel Efstathion, a senior with just three years' playing experience, has improved and displayed superior tackling skills. Senior Lauren Cavicchi has changed positions and is now an accomplished defensive back.

Other players have also performed well. Improving senior Kayla Sergi plays left wing and has contributed to the team's attack. Junior Mary Farrell is a great hitter at midfield.

First-year varsity player Sam Howells has refined her skills and improved at right wing, while junior Taylor Johnson has been aggressive and unafraid to shoot.

First-year varsity players Julia Lloyd, Molly Shine, Meg Wood and Sheridan Sleeper, all juniors, have become effective passers and receivers. Junior right wing Cassie Short is a solid playmaker and hitter. Sophomore Katie Sullivan and freshman Emily Bourke round out the roster.

Welty added that Algonquin got a big boost several weeks back when former U.S. Olympic field hockey player Christy Morgan took part in the team's first practice. Welty said that the Morgan was a positive influence and an inspiration.

NAME: AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL; ALGONQUIN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL