Sayreville field hockey looks to conference tourney
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
With a playoff berth in site, the Sayreville High School field hockey team slumped through a 1- 4 period, but coach Lynn Taylor has her team looking to make an impact during the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament.

The Bombers were within one victory of .500 with the deadline looming for the NJSIAA Group IV playoffs, but Sayreville lost four of five to drop its overall record to 5-9-2. Nevertheless, Taylor's team has been surprisingly competitive in compiling wins against Piscataway, Metuchen and South Plainfield (twice).

"With the way the GMC has been going this year, it seems any team could win the tournament, that's how competitive the conference has become," the coach said. "Over the last few games, we've been very inconsistent, and it's hurt us. But the girls are very excited about the tournament and they want to turn things around. They'll have their chance."

The GMC tourney is scheduled to begin on Friday, but seedings were not announced as of press time. Sayreville was slated to end its regular season against Monroe yesterday.

Taylor's team has relied on a superb defense to keep itself in games. Sophomore goalkeeper Jamie Unkel has been solid, while receiving plenty of help from fullbacks Ann Marie Alberto, Katie Cavanaugh, Meagen Siegler and center fullback Lanie Andrews, a sophomore, who has shown plenty of grit on the back line. Cavanaugh is the sweeper.

"Our defense has just been outstanding, and that's been our strength throughout the season," Taylor said. "We also have a strong defensive midfield and they all work well together."

Hard-working Kristen Quinn teams up with fellow seniors Jessica Fawcett, Holly Jarusiewicz, Christine Romanello and junior Kelsey Mazur to give the Bombers an experienced middle. Mazur is especially effective at slowing the opposition down and enabling her teammates to regroup and get into position defensively. Quinn scored on a penalty stroke earlier this year and Mazur also has a goal to her credit.

On the forward line, junior Danielle Hoyte is Sayreville's top scorer with six goals. Speedy Chrissy Deluto has added three goals. Nadia Kwakwa and sophomore Sara DeLucia see time up front as well. The versatile DeLucia has also played midfield and defense, depending on the situation, Taylor noted.

"Our forwards have worked really hard, but we've just had trouble putting the ball in the net," said Taylor, whose team has scored just 14 goals on the year. "A few more goals here and there and our record would be a lot different."

While Taylor is hoping her team breaks out in time for the GMC tourney, the coach acknowledged that defense will be the key.

"We have to keep playing good defense - that's our strength - and look to score when we can," Taylor said. "Our team is certainly capable of knocking off top teams, but I would like to see us create a few more opportunities in the circle and capitalize when we get a break."