Middletown South Field Hockey Team
Bounces Back After Initial Loss
12 OCTOBER 2021 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LES PIERCE
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undefeated and captured the A North Division with a 12-0 record.
However, the program was clearly decimated by graduation. The departing
seniors accounted for 63 of the 68 goals scored throughout the
2020 campaign.
Head Coach Jordan Hickman was challenged with the task of rebuilding
from the ground up. The sixth-year coach was compelled to
recruit freshmen players to staff the varsity squad. A short bench still
remained following those actions.
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Panthers were coming off a 13-1 season and ranked fourth in the shore
conference.
On paper, this was potentially a one-sided affair. However, buoyed
by a nine-save performance by junior goalkeeper Leila Black, South
made a game of it.
goal of the contest late in the third quarter. Starting the season with a
claim three consecutive shutout victories.
Two days later, they traveled to meet cross-town rival Middletown
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er Kylie Doyle led the offense with a pair of goals. Kathryn “Kat” Doyle,
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ward Christine Ryan and defender Peyton Kenney also scored. Kenney
additionally recorded a trio of assists.
South hosted Manasquan in its home opener on Sept. 11. The Eagles
were not hospitable, pinning a 3-0 loss on the Warriors. Ryan and
Dana Rohrmann scored unassisted goals. Freshman Caroline Bedetti
Just two days later, Middletown downed Freehold Township by a
2-0 tally. Ryan and Kylie Doyle scored, with Ryan earning the distinction
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and got a lot of shots off, but young forwards are still learning how
Makenna. They have been dominating possession, getting back on
defense, controlling game pace and getting shots off everywhere inside
the offensive 25.”
The Eagles entered the season appearing as a pack of “no name”
players. It appears they are on track to alter that image.
/TheJournalNJ.com