KEYSTONE DIVISION
Mid-Penn Keystone Division field hockey probably draws attention from around the state through the entire fall. Lower Dauphin is the defending PIAA Class AAA champion, and Hershey is another traditional large school power. Palmyra is perennially in the AA mix, and Susquehanna Twp. has begun to show itself as a force to reckon with in that classification. Regardless of who wins the Keystone, there is every reason to believe a district or state title will be taken by one of these teams.
Predicted order of finish
1. Lower Dauphin
2. Palmyra
3. Hershey
4. Susquehanna Twp.
5. Mechanicsburg
6. Red Land
7. Middletown
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Coach: Tami Scola
2012 record: 12-8-1 (7-4-1 in Keystone)
2013 outlook/big picture: Hershey had a good season in 2012, but the Trojans will certainly expect more in 2013 with eight starters back. A year ago, they were swept in their four games against arch-rivals Lower Dauphin and Palmyra. Step No. 1 to improvement is impoving their record in those games.
Roster: Jenny Rizzo (jr GK), Emily Bruggmeier (sr MF), Bridget Kilgallen (sr MF), Lisa Winters (jr MF), Aly Morgret (sr F), Leah Umberger (jr F), Monica Tice (jr B), Britta Diffenbach (sr B), Leigha Nortier (jr F), Lauren Lechleitner (so F), Marley Tunnell (so MF), Courtney Wagner (jr F), Madi Donahue (so B), Rachel Groves (so B), Alexis Gazzio (so F), Alexis Robinson (so F).
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Coach: Linda Kreiser
2012 record: 24-3-1 (12-0)
2013 outlook/big picture: As the defending Keystone Division and PIAA Class AAA champion, the Falcons have a bigger target on their backs than usual. But Lower Dauphin has several players back, including 10 seniors, who learned last year what it takes to turn a season into a championship run.
Roster: Devyn Barry (sr F, 16 goals, 10 assists), Taylor Lister (sr F, 8 goals, 9 assists), Maddie O'Neill (jr F, 10 goals, 5 assists), Maggie Mostoller (sr MF), Morgan Bitting (jr MF, 9 goals, 7 assists), Mary Kate Skitka (sr B), Gini Bramley (jr B), Anna Smuda (sr F), Abby Julius (jr, F), Delani Higgins (sr B).
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Coach: Kari Bianchi
2012 record: 8-9 (4-8)
2013 outlook/big picture: Bianchi wants to see the Wildcats improve on their record, but with two games against each of Palmyra, Lower Dauphin and Hershey, that would be no small feat. The key, she said, will be getting the players who mostly new to starting roles to gel on the field.
Roster: Annie Becker (so GK), Katie Hanus (jr GK), Susan Morefield (jr B), Hannah Brown (sr F), Morgan Vasiliu (sr MF).
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Coach: Jana Verdelli
2012 record: 3-15 (1-11)
2013 outlook/big picture: Verdelli is in her first year as a head coach for the Blue Raiders. But she learned from one of the best in the state – she played high school field hockey for Lower Dauphin's Linda Kreiser. She feels there is the talent to win in Middletown, but the Blue Raiders need to go out and prove it.
Roster: Megan Shatto (so GK), Hope Dehnert (sr F), Carlie Wolfe (sr B), Lizzy Young (sr B), Johnnessa Mummert (sr F), Katie Kellogg (jr B), Karlee Deibler (jr F), Lauren Eppley (jr MF), Madison Rios (jr MF), Mia Studenroth (so F) Sierra Smith (fr B).
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Coach: Kristi Costello
2012 record: 19-4 (10-2)
2013 outlook/big picture: A year ago the Cougars were in the AA state tournament. Palmyra has two state finals appearances, with one championship, in the last eight years, and a coach who played on two national champions at Wake Forest. Expectations are high.
Roster: Nicole Berger (sr GK), Megan Miller (sr MF), Katie Dembrowski (jr MF), Kendall Kreider (sr MF), Haley Bova (sr F), Kylie Huffman (sr MF), Megan Soucy (sr B), Carli Herman (so B), Kiley Gallagher (so F), Erin Huffman (so F).
Coach: Crystal Johnston
2012 record: 1-15 (1-11)
2013 outlook/big picture: Johnston said that she wants the team to improve, not just in wins but in all around team play and individual skill development. One key will be making sure to make good decisions both on and away from the ball.
Roster: Madeline Kehler (so GK), Madeline Brenner (sr B), Brooke Davis (sr B), Allison Graybill (sr B), Madyson Bertolette (jr F), Rachel Fronko (jr F), Sara Bloor (so MF), Reilly Meanor (so B), Sydney Alderman (jr MF).
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Coach: Jessica Reitzel
2012 record: 14-8-1 (6-5-1)
2013 outlook/big picture: The Tribe played their best at the most important time in 2012, turning a No. 14 seed in districts into a sixth place finish. To return to that level of success, Monica Feeley and Paige Predmore will have to pick up some extra goal scoring now that Maggie Reddcliffe is at Ohio State.
Roster: Valerie Bailey (jr GK, 128 saves), Monica Feeley (jr MF, 7 goals, 6 assists), Paige Predmore (jr MF, 6 goals, 4 assists), Leah Lencioni (jr MF).
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