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09/23/2017 12:00 AMThe Hand field hockey team entered the 2017 season with some question marks regarding how everything would fall into place. Based on their preliminary results, all the pieces seem to be fitting just perfectly for the Tigers.
Last year, Head Coach Sue Leckey’s Hand squad won a 2-1 game at Avon in the Class M State Tournament before taking a 4-3 quarterfinal loss to Guilford for an overall record of 9-8-2. This fall, Hand has jumped out to an excellent start by defeating Cheshire (4-3) and Lauralton Hall (4-0) in its first two contests before playing to a 0-0 draw against defending Class L co-champion Darien. The Tigers carried that momentum into last week by notching a 2-1 overtime triumph versus reigning SCC champion Branford that was followed by a 9-0 home shutout over Shelton to improve to 4-0-1.
After having already weathered several quality opponents, Coach Leckey said that Hand will aim to continue meshing as it gets ready to face more formidable foes this season.
“The team will have to find its own identity and the combination of players that works best,” said Leckey. “The greatest challenge will be in putting the ball in the net, as it is for everyone in this sport. We will know early if we can compete, and then will work to grow as a unit.”
Hand’s senior captains for the 2017 season are midfielder Sophie Schreck and defender Abi Barry. Schreck made All-State and was an All-SCC Second Team selection last fall. Additionally in the midfield, Taylor Leckey is back for the Tigers after leading the team in points last fall on her way to earning All-SCC First Team, All-State, and New Haven Register All-Area honors. Senior Nora McCarthy rounds out Hand’s experienced midfield. Senior Kylie Gargiulo is in her third tour of duty as the Tigers’ starting varsity goalkeeper.
Along with Barry, fellow senior Kenzie Larson is a key member of Hand’s defensive core. Also defending the turf for the Tigers are seniors Caroline Schreck, Kelly Cody, and Lily Arida, along with sophomore Ciara Halloran.
On the attack, Hand also features Erickson Richard, who led the team in goals scored last season, as well as fellow juniors Kathryn Donahey, Jacqui McKeown, Anna Beccia; seniors Glenna-Kate Gies, Skylar Leckey, Izzy Kennedy, and Meghan Daly; plus sophomores Jacqui Sandor, Maeve Connors, and Lucy Cutler.
In last week’s win against Branford, Hand won it when Richard scored on a breakaway goal with 3:50 remaining in overtime. Richard also netted the goal that knotted things at 1-1 with 3:25 to play in regulation. Gargiulo made six saves for the Tigers in the victory.
Hand has rematches with Branford, Cheshire, and Lauralton Hall on the way this year. Coach Leckey also pointed out her club’s late-season matchup against Guilford, which defeated Hand three times in 2016.
“Those games will all be tough this season,” said Leckey. “The [Class M State Tournament] enters other top competition, particularly perennial powers New Canaan and Avon.”
Coach Leckey feels that Hand’s solid start is a reflection of her team’s attitude at practice and a loaded roster that features prominent players in every class. Leckey said that while the Tigers want to make their way to the winner’s circle in both the SCC and State tournaments, they first have to sell themselves as a team whose toughness makes things difficult for every adversary on their schedule.
“The coaching staff is really optimistic about this season. Our team work ethic is strong, and our attitudes are positive, and we believe we have talented and dedicated players from the top to the bottom,” said Leckey. “Our goals are to have fun, getting better every day, individually and as a team. We would like to compete in the SCC Tournament and the Class M State Tournament and, as always, to be strong enough for other teams to believe we can beat them on a good day.”
From the Sidelines
Sue Leckey has been the head coach of the Tigers’ field hockey team since 2002 and returns for her 16th campaign this fall.
Mike Niekrash, who is also the Hand softball head coach, is back as the field hockey squad’s assistant coach.
Last fall marked the first time since 2011 that Hand didn’t appear in the SCC Tournament final.