Field hockey team wants another division title

The Vernon Township High School field hockey program has set some hefty goals this season and looks like it has the talent, depth, experience and unity needed to achieve them.

“We have our sights on winning the division again this year,’’ head coach Kieran Killeen said. “It’s always a tough goal to have as we have a very competitive and strong division.

“We are aiming to take the next step in tournament play and hope to contend in a county and state final this year. We’ve come close in both competitions, and we feel it’s time to push a little harder.’’

The Vikings will host Sparta at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4 before playing at Pompton Lakes at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 and hosting Hackettstown at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9.

Key returning players are seniors Abbey DeYoung (forward), Chloe DeBonta (defense), Taryn Picariello (defense), Abbie Mundhenk (midfield), Kelsey Callahan (midfield) and Emily Getz (goal keeper).

Promising players who could get more varsity playing time include senior Devin Arnold (forward) and juniors Sabrina Conklin (defense), Abby Cawley (midfield), Teagan Ressler (forward), , Elise Giroux (forward) and Kayla Jurewicz (midfield).

“We have exceptional leadership throughout the team,’’ Killeen said. “Our senior group has a combined nine varsity letters coming into this season. They work hard to make sure this team is always putting their best foot forward on and off the field.

“Our junior year includes a ton of experience too and does an incredible job supporting the senior leadership group.’’

The Vikings tallied an impressive overall record of 16-3 in 2023 and beat all but one of their opponents in division play.

This season, they compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division along with Lenape Valley, Newton, Kittatinny and Hackettstown.

“We have a shot at going back to back in our division, but it will take a big effort as Newton, Lenape and Hackettstown can beat you on any given day,’’ the coach said. “They are tough programs to defeat, and the battle with them always brings out the best in us.’’