Preview: Marshall Field Hockey Looks To Stay On Top

Marshall High School's field hockey team is coming off of a season that included a 14-4 finish (4-2 in the Liberty District), with appearances in the Liberty District Semifinals and the first round of the Northern Region tournament.

But that was a squad with nearly a full field of seniors. This year, nine senior Statesmen are gone – a problem that could threaten many squads, says 13th-year head coach Christina Caroll, but not hers this fall.

“We’ve worked through [losing seniors] before," she said. "It’s always a different dynamic when younger girls come through and try to take charge and lead. It’s not a matter of experience alone, it’s how the girls play together, and this is a really good group.”

Marshall had no problem reloading talent despite losing half of 2010 roster. Eight girls from last year’s JV team made varsity in 2011.
Questions at goalkeeper are biggest concern, but there’s no reason to think the Statesmen, who have improved their record for three straight years, won’t at least match their performance from a year ago.

And they're already off to a roaring start -- they won their first (non-district) game Tuesday against Wakefield High on Tuesday with a score of 13-0.

AT A GLANCE

2010 Finish: 14-4 (4-2), Liberty District Semifinals, Northern Region First Round

Head Coach: Christina Carroll

Key Losses: The Statesmen graduated nine seniors from the 2010 squad, including starting goalkeeper Chandani Rana (11 GA, 11 SO).

Returning Stars:

Maddie O'Beirne, Sr.

First Team All-District and All-Region center midfielder is the total package for the Statesmen. Can pass, shoot and take it past the defense by herself. Sets the bar for her teammates. Qualified for a U.S. National Team “Futures” Tournament. Also averaged just under six points per game for Marshall on the basketball court last year.

Annie Greenwood, Sr.

First Team All-District defender is one of Marshall’s hardest workers. Carroll describes her as “humble and super smart.” Chips in secondary scoring as an added bonus. Unselfish with the ball, but has the stick skills to make moves when necessary.

Katie Clark, Jr.

Midfielder enters third year on varsity and is ready to take on more responsibility. Continued off-season practice with local club team, Pegasus,  has been evident in preseason scrimmages. Carroll says chemistry with O’Beirne and Greenwood will play a major role in the Statesmen success this season.

Impact Newcomer:
Madeleine Lewsen, Jr.

Another product of Pegasus, Lewsen will already have experience with several teammates in first year on varsity. Forward provides offensive punch with passing, scoring touch.