Vernon field hockey completes productive season

VERNON — Another worthwhile and productive season with a lot of positives to take away for the future is now a wrap for the Vernon High School field hockey program.
The Vikings finished with an overall record of 8-9-2, with three wins in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division.
“We knew this season was going to be a difficult one to get wins,’’ Vernon head coach Kieran Killeen said. “We were in a very tough Division having to play Hackettstown, Newton, High Point and Wallkill all twice. We had a heavy away schedule that included a lot of grass games which is never easy for a turf team.
“In saying that, I think we grew a lot and were competitive in 90 percent of our games. We have eight starters returning next year-players that are gelling really well together-and some exciting young talent itching to get their shot on varsity. Next year, I think our schedule will play to our favor and with our home record being very strong over the last two seasons (11-4-2) I have very high hopes for Vernon field hockey in 2019."
Vernon advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Group 2 Sectional Tournament this fall as the No. 6 seed and defeated 11th seeded Parsippany Hills, 6-2, in the opening round. In the quarterfinals, they were defeated by third seeded Lakeland, 1-0.
“Tori Wascheck, one of seniors and captains led by example all season long," Killeen said. “She split time between defense and midfield, depending on where we needed her the most. She was often the spark that ignited the team and played a major role both on attack and defense.
“Emma Cahill was incredible in goal for us again this year. She had 184 saves and let in 31 goals with a save percentage of 86 percent. Also one of our captains, Emma is incredibly respected within our program. Her on field ability coupled with her teammates first attitude made her a vital part of the leadership this year."
Beyond the team leaders, a number of student-athletes demonstrated the willingness and ability to improve as field hockey players throughout the season.
“Carlie Van Tassel really grew as a player this year in the forwards,’’ Killeen said. “She has always had incredible ability and talent, but I think this year everything started to click for her. Her decision making was on point during the second half of the season. She racked up six goals and four assists in the three games at the end of the season, and led the team in both goals and assists, 14 and eight respectfully.
“Haley DeBonta and Alicia Mihalko were fantastic in the midfield with Waschek. Experience is crucial to be successful in the midfield and these two are really setting in well and controlling the middle both on and off the ball."
The challenging Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament proved to be memorable for the Vikings this year.
“Our H/W/S run definitely brought out some of our best hockey for the year," Killeen said. “After a convincing 4-0 win over North Warren, we took on sixth seed Lenape Valley who were having a great season and had beaten us 3-1 earlier in the season. It was a special game to come back from being down at half and walk away with the win (2-1). The entire team stepped up and played well.
“That win took us to the quarter finals against Warren Hills. We played some excellent hockey and kept the game tight, unfortunately they were able to execute better in the circle than we were that night. I think playing two tough games back to back that really tested us and the fact that as a team we shifted up a gear, really rejuvenated us for the back end of the season."