It’s probably a sure sign that things are going well when a coach calls her team’s lone loss in a season a, “slump.”
To be certain, there aren’t many things to complain about when it comes to the Manchester Essex field hockey team in 2024. The Hornets have been spectacular during the first third of the season, leaning on enviable talent and team chemistry to build a 6-1-1 record.
“I think we’ve hit our groove early this season,” explains Manchester Essex field hockey coach Courtney Brown. “In some of the tighter games, we’ve been able to find the back of the net while also strongly protecting our own goal. This team supports one another both on and off the field. Each line has the experience and confidence needed to raise up our younger players. We have some great chemistry this year.”
Abby Kent (6 goals, 7 assists) and Laila Mears (5 goals, assist) have been standouts on offense, goalie Brigid Carovillano has notched six shutouts and fellow captain Summer Demeo has been a crucial cog connecting it all in the midfield. Sophomore forward Sophia Broadbent has made great strides during the first few games of her first varsity season.
“She is powerful, fast, and eager to learn,” Brown says of Broadbent. “She’s an example of an overall well-rounded athlete whose work ethic raises the bar for everyone around her. We initially put her at midfield, but she has a sharp stick and hard shot and even scored in the first few minutes playing on the forward line.”
Also, of note has been the play of senior defender Hannah Davis.
“In both games and practices, Hannah steps hard to the ball, and has really learned to use her speed and strength to her advantage,” explains Brown. “She’s stepped up as a leader by guiding our younger players. I’m so proud that she’s found her voice this season.”
It’s clear that this group is passionate about competing and the sport itself. The 3-1 loss to North Reading on September 11 served as an example of what happens when the Hornets aren’t able to clear that bar during a game.
“We had a tough loss to North Reading a few weeks back, and we’re determined to never let ourselves get into a slump in a game like that,” says Brown. “We started the game a bit unfocused and lax, where we should have had more intensity and energy. Bringing energy and excitement up has been, literally, a game changer. Sophomore Maya Frangioso and Katie Crompton are typically our loudest, starting with cheering and energy during warmups.”
One game later, Manchester Essex forged a 1-1 tie with Newburyport that seemed to put the team back on track.
“Tying Newburyport – although it’s somewhat unusual to come off a tie so satisfied, the game was such an even and fun match, with lots of back and forth play,” explains Brown. “The girls were challenged but not outplayed, and it was an opportunity to elevate our play against an equally strong opponent.”
The Hornets will get that chance again and again in the near future. A September 30 game against Amesbury promised the challenge of playing on a grass field as opposed to the more standard turf, with Northeastern Conference neighbor Gloucester slated for October 3 (4:30 p.m.) on the road and a home game against Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical at night (7 p.m.).
“I’m excited to play Gloucester in our first non-league game in years on Thursday,” says Brown. “They are always a strong and gritty team, which will benefit us come playoffs.”
