Timberlane Regional gained valuable experience in earning a trip to the postseason a year ago.
Only one starter graduated, and among the returners are second-team Division I All-State midfielder Aubrey Fitzgerald and D-I honorable mention selections Taylor Alperin and Ava Paul.
“We will rely a lot on Taylor Alperin and Aubrey Fitzgerald to help lead the team in the midfield and Ava Paul to lead the team in the back,” said coach Jessi Paul. “I think people were surprised by us last year and I expect that this year will be the same.”
Seven freshmen joined the team, which bodes well for the future, but these Owls are locked in for the present.
Shea, Astros hunting next step
Hungry to return to its first Division I title game since 2015, Pinkerton Academy welcomes junior captain and returning Eagle-Tribune All-Star Meg Shea back to lead the way. Shea had seven goals with six assists a year ago for the Astros, who bring back six other returning starters including goalie Molly Kuncik.
“We are looking forward to building on the progress of last year and competing at a high level,” said coach Jennifer Resmini. “The team is focused and intentional in their skill development and game play.”
Salem experienced, ready
A wild, shootout playoff upset on the grass at Winnacunnet set the bar for Salem field hockey in 2024.
Now, the Blue Devils are hungry for more.
“We have a very talented group of seniors who have been playing together for years and their chemistry on the field is incredible,” said coach Mikayla Ramsdell. “The girls have put in a lot of work throughout the summer to prepare for this season and they’re ready to put their work to the test.”
A dozen battle-hardened seniors led by Avery Aliberti and Lexi Whipple up front and Abby Beeley in the midfield make Salem a very dangerous group with which to deal this fall. Freshman Nathalia Garcia is slated to take over in the net.
Jaguars deep, talented
Senior Ella Gallinelli is versatile and talented, playing on both ends, and earned second-team Division I all-state honors in 2024. She returns, as does Jaidyn Seitzer, an all-state honorable mention last year who will play at Dean College.
Freshman Emma Adamske is a newcomer to watch, ready to make an immediate impact.
“Since we were able to retain a significant amount of our varsity team, we have high hopes for this season,” said coach Sophia Poulin. “Our returners have been offering a lot of guidance for our new varsity members. This group has come together as a team in a way that makes me extremely excited for the season ahead.”
New regime in Pelham
For the second straight year, Pelham welcomes a new coach in Lara Hoge, who inherits a young roster, hungry to break through and reach the postseason.
Only three seniors, all of whom started a year ago, will lead the Pythons with Presley Patterson on defense, Kenzie Comtois in the midfield and Cassidy Harrington up front.
A handful of sophomores, who gained valuable experience last year, will see heavy action, including Mya Dion, Lyla Prince, Cailyn Macintyre and Kylie McDonald.