Field Hockey: Low numbers now a norm

Head coach: Nanu Sidhu

Last year record: 18-3-1

Recap of last year: With a roster of only 11 players, the team prevailed through league play and made it to the semifinals of CCS, where they lost to Los Gatos.

Key Additions: junior forward Kate Bossi, defender Chancée Gaskin, forward Siobhan Burgos, midfielder Valerie Yang and sophomore goalie Judy Yang

Key Match ups: Los Gatos and Monta Vista

Star Players: senior midfielder Emily Chen, defender Rachel Davey, forward Kelsey Kinoshita, midfielder Hannah Leonard, forward Tina Miller, defender Maxine Parr and defender Sophie Parr

Key Losses (graduated athletes): defender Sabrina Clark and midfielder Erin Norris

League: De Anza League

Prognosis: “I think we'll have a lot of fun like we always do, make it to CCS — hopefully finals — and hopefully beat LG,” senior midfielder Hannah Leonard said.

With 12 players on the roster, just one more than last year’s, the field hockey team will be able to have one sub during games as they look to replicate their success during league play and in CCS.

“There are big shoes to fill because of the people that we lost, but I definitely think that we can do it,” senior forward Tina Miller said.

The team, comprised of seven seniors, four juniors and one sophomore, is under new direct leadership. Former head coach Lifon Huynh is preparing for the arrival of her baby, so she will become the assistant coach this season. Nanu Sidhu, who had previously coached the JV field hockey team in 2013, will take the reins as head coach for the varsity team.

The tight-knit team shares the aspirations of making CCS, beating rival Los Gatos and winning CCS. To get there, the Falcons have been working hard to to improve their overall shape while on the field and to maintain their stamina, a priority due to limited subbing opportunities.

“The thing I admire most about the team is our commitment to do well,” senior forward Kelsey Kinoshita said. “We all give 100 percent  for sprints and conditioning, and we put in work during practice. We know it will pay off when it's game time."