Stepping back onto the playing field, Cathedral Catholic’s varsity girls field hockey team has gotten off to a strong start this year and currently stands with a record of three wins and three losses.
They are led by new coach, Kerri Orr, a former goalie at Miami of Ohio. The team is relatively young with thirteen sophomores and only nine returning players. Clearly, however, age doesn’t matter on the field, as they’ve competed with tough opponents including Canyon Crest, San Dieguito Academy, Patrick Henry, Serra, Westview, La Costa Canyon, and Hilltop.
The team is led by senior captains Ally Langley, a midfielder, and Megan Depew-Brady, a goalkeeper. There are several other veteran team leaders who help lead the squad and encourage a good, hard work ethic. Coach Orr said the team is benefiting from two new strong players, Caitlin Gibson and Jenna Shine, who are strong midfielders with a “good vision of the field.”
Success and leadership aid the team as well as a solid practice schedule each day of the week from 2:30-4:30, unless they have a game. “When the girls work extra hard I like to let them out a bit early or let them choose the next drill. And we will also do team building activities in lieu of stick and ball exercises. The girls love any activity that includes competition, I guess that’s why they are all such great athletes! ” said Coach Orr.
The team is preparing for an anticipated rematch against Serra, the reigning CIF champions. Coach Orr said, “At the beginning of the season we lost 3-1, but our one goal was so exciting and the girls are pumped to play Serra again! The rematch is on October 13th at 3PM (at Serra).”
Senior, Claire Plecha, remarks that the long-term goals for the team are in reach. “This season, we have one of the most athletic and enthusiastic group of girls I’ve seen in our league. With the combination of our younger players and our returning varsity players, we aim to climb in the regional standings.”
With a good team unity and strong work ethic backing them up, the team looks to finish the season strong and do well in the post-season. The team enjoys an audience and support group and encourages anyone to attend and watch their games.