Spartans win season opener

The Sparta High School field hockey team won its season opener against Pope John, 2-1, at home Saturday, Sept. 6.

It is scheduled to host Wallkill Valley at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 before traveling to Parsippany Hills at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 and to Morris Knolls at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.

“This year’s team is looking to match, if not exceed, our record last year and score at least one goal per game,’’ head coach Corinne Bright said.

Among the returning players are seniors Leah Albers (midfield) and Sophie Ku (midfield) and sophomore Cassie Ailara (midfield).

The Spartans also have several promising newcomers, including juniors Annie Soreco (midfield) and Caitlin Carmody (forward); sophomores Caroline Weiss (forward), Emma Muller (midfield and defense), Elizabeth O’Brien (defense) and Kourtney Zekunde (defense); and freshmen Mia Lopes (forward), Olivia Mooney (forward), Lucia Salmon (forward and midfield), Ella Devore (defense) and Abigail Wainwright (goal tender).

The senior captains are Leah Albers and Sophie Ku, who are stepping into leading roles on and off the field, Bright said.

“The team this year is young with strong sophomores taking more leadership and controlling roles on the field, so they will provide a lot of leadership on the field as well.’’

Last season, the Spartans finished with an overall record of 6-12-1 and a 4-7-1 mark in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) National Division.

This year, Sparta again competes in the National Division along with Morris Knolls, Morristown, Parsippany Hills, Roxbury and Pope John.

Bright sees Roxbury, Morris Knolls and Morristown among the top teams to beat in the division.

“We are in a rebuilding year this season, but we are still looking to exceed expectations to be in the top half of the division this season,’’ she said.

“These girls have been focusing on their cohesion and support of one another, so you should see a team that meshes well together both on and off the field. I’m really proud of the team morale they’ve created this season.’’