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Well, the Weston High field hockey team has a strong group of seniors ready to lead the troops as the Wildcats prepare to open their season at Waltham on Sept. 6. Christina Warner (forward), Grace McCurdy (center midfield), Grace Truscott (center back/midfield), and Tanner Skenderian (defense) all return to guide the 'Cats.
“In that group, they have leadership qualities, great attitude, and they work hard at practice,” Weston head coach Laura Galopim said.
So far only Warner is a captain as she carried the title over from last year. But Galopim expects the team to choose another captain tomorrow. She noted that Warner is a strong leader who is always trying to hone her skills.
“She loves the sport and is very passionate,” Galopim said. “She inspires the other girls to get better.”
Playing behind Weston's top quartet is junior Sara Coburn, who returns to play goal after getting the starting nod last year. Galopim said Coburn has been working hard during the offseason to learn the position better and fine-tune her blocking skills. The coach hopes the experienced Coburn will continue from where she left off last season.
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“She saved some games for us last year,” Galopim said.
The 'Cats needed every stop they could get from the talented netminder. Weston lacked in scoring prodcution, as evidenced by its 5-0 loss to Andover in the Division 1 North Sectional quarterfinals. Galopim is hoping for at least one of the team's veterans to be the scoring catalyst this season.
The road to the postseason will not be an easy one as a realignment of the Dual County League means Weston will be playing powerhouses Acton-Boxborough, Lincoln-Sudbury, and Westford Academy twice. The Wildcats, who tied Wayland for the DCL Small Division title last year, also have to contend with two competitive non-league opponents in Walpole and Bishop-Fenwick.
Peter Shanley contributed to this report.
