Prior to taking the reins as Memorial field hockey coach four years ago, John Gatsas compiled a 196-62-17 record at Salem and led the Lady Blue Devils to three state titles and five runners- up trophies.

Things are much different now, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, said Gatsas, who left Salem and took the Memorial job because his daughter played for the Crusaders and the program was in desperate need of a coach.

Gatsas seems driven by the challenge of building a contender in a large city with three public schools and a marginal field hockey foundation at best. “When I came here, I had to build it from the bottom up. I’ve gone to the middle school to talk to athletes not doing anything in the fall and invited them to come try out and see what they can do,” he said. “I’m happy with what we’ve got going on here. When I took over we started with 29 (players), and this year we had 44 girls try out.”

Though MHS has won just three games in his first three years, the coach remains excited about the current season. Through two games, Memorial has already matched last year’s win total with a 1-0 win against Keene, and the girls played a solid Merrimack squad tight before falling, 2-1. This season, the Lady Crusaders returned seven players who have been with Gatsas since his arrival.

“The expectation is to build off what we’ve done the last four years,” he said. “We’re moving the ball. We’re playing good offense and good defense. We just need to make things happen when presented with opportunities. Overall, I’m very pleased with the progress of this team.”

That growth, said Gatsas, is a direct result of all those involved with the team, from the parents to the players to the coaches, buying into the program’s goals. “The kids are coming to practice on time, 90 percent came into the season in very good shape, the parents are coming to support the team, and the coaches are keeping the players focused and preparing them for games. Everyone’s doing their share,” he said. “I think a lot of these girls have bought into the program. They’ve put a lot of time into it and are really dedicated to making the program better than it was a few years ago.”

Brigit Quirk, Mindy Hardy and Emily Gatsas captain this year’s squad and are complemented by fellow fourth-year players Alanna Gerton, Bridgit Croasdale, Danielle O’Neil and Rachel Hedge.

Forward Koryn Miele, the team’s eighth senior, has been with the varsity unit the last two seasons.

“The seniors’ commitment is rubbing off on the other girls, and it shows,” said Gatsas. “We have 25 girls playing in the winter and the spring and around 30 played in the summer league at West High School. Hopefully we see that type of commitment continue for years to come.”

Junior Sami Gonzales of Auburn, said Gatsas, is impressive around the midfield.

“She was outstanding for us last year, as a sophomore,” he said. “She has great ball skills and is a well-conditioned girl. She’s very outgoing and a real pleasure to have on this team.” Junior Hannah Smith and sophomore Brittany Horne also see significant playing time in the midfield.

Sophomores Jenna Merritt and Reilly Sheehan play forward, and Meredith Doyle contributes in the backfield.

Hedge starts in net, where junior Julia Blease sees playing time as well.

Gatsas said he has a solid freshman class this year that includes Jenna Freitas, Kate Adinolfo, Megan Chevrefils, Casey Smith and Maria Manning.