Cathedral Catholic’s field hockey program is starting off strong this year with a varsity team composed mostly of upperclassmen.

With four sophomores and five seniors, the rest of the 17 are juniors.  Led by returning coach Kerri Orr, the team has competed against schools including Canyon Crest, San Dieguito Academy, and University City.

“Scripps Ranch will probably be our toughest competition,” said senior captain Michelle St. Marie.  “Our main goal is to win CIF.  It’s definitely possible.  We have mostly returning players, even though we lost a few strong players last year.”

The upperclassmen are all taking part in leading the team.  Senior Fiona Tomlin said,  “The goalie Kori Griswold and other captain Marie McDonald-Hulen are both juniors.  Senior Courtney Place is a great defender.”

The team practices Monday through Friday unless they have a game scheduled.  Games are usually on Mondays or Wednesdays, but this can vary.

“We always practice with game intensity.  We do drills, scrimmages, footwork, and ladders,” said Michelle.

Coach Orr tries to encourage team bonding.  The girls participate in lunches and other activities to help achieve a solid team dynamic.

Fiona said, “Coach is really motivating and a great leader.  She tries to emphasize the importance of the team, but she also works with everyone individually.  She often pulls each of us aside to tell us how we can improve.”

In the upcoming weeks, the team is anticipating games against schools such as La Costa Canyon, La Jolla, and Serra.

“We are like a family,” Michelle said.  “Our chemistry as a team is improving with time, but the important thing is that we are all working together.”