Field hockey strives for more wins after disappointing losses

The 5-5-0 field hockey team recently suffered a 3-0 loss to Gilroy on Oct. 9, a 3-1 win over Leland on Oct. 11, a 2-0 loss to Mitty on Oct. 16, a 1-0 loss to Saint Francis on Oct. 18 and a 4-1 win to Los Altos on Oct. 23. Through the mixed results, the team has learned about its own weaknesses.

According to varsity head coach Lifon Huynh, the losses against Mitty and Gilroy resulted from a lack of strong defensive plays.

“The team could have started off stronger for both games and stepped to the ball against Gilroy,” Huynh said. “[They should have] shifted better on defense with stronger tackles. Practice and conditioning will improve the team defense.”
Junior Monica Saripella has also noticed another problem: The team often gets disheartened when they start to lose.

“We're doing really well physically, but sometimes we give up during games,” Saripella said. “So one thing we could work on is putting up a fight until the very last second.”

Saripella added that she feels more students should come out and support the team.

“It's kind of embarrassing when the away team has more fans than we do,” Saripella said.

Despite needing work on its defense and shots, the team has improved in other areas. Huynh said the key to the win over Leland on Oct. 11 was that players passed  the ball to each other instead of trying to dribble through the defense.

In order to secure a place in CCS on Nov. 8, the team needs two more wins, which is why Huynh is pushing players to keep the ball on the outside of the field and follow through when taking shots.

“I’m looking to [playing in] CCS again, past the second round this time and continually improving to peak at the tournament,” Huynh said. “Challenges [will be] moving the ball up the field on the sidelines and finishing on goals.”

Saripella said one of the advantages of the team this year is the large number of seniors playing.

“I think since our team is mostly seniors, we have a lot of really strong, experienced players,” Saripella said. “Our passing game is also one of the best of the league. I'm just looking forward to a lot more ‘W's’ for us, especially against Los Gatos!”

The girls will play Presentation on Oct. 25 and Los Gatos on Oct. 30.