Salem Observer : Salem, field hockey

Salem falls in overtime of quarterfi nals after breathtaking battle

Salem Editor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:17:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Salem High’s field hockey team took its fans on a wild roller coaster ride in Class L’s quarterfinal playoff round. But the hosts from Exeter High abruptly stopped the locals’ fun.

Two teams that entered the postseason with identical 10-3- 1 records needed overtime to decide a winner, and Exeter’s Emalyn Loh scored midway through the 15-minute extra period to give the Blue Hawks a 2-1 victory on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The goal stunned Salem and its followers, who just as quickly realized they’d seen a memorable match – full of ups and downs, twists and turns – and cheered their hard-working but defeated Blue Devils. Loh’s goal, her second of the game, capped a contest that featured back-and-forth action, momentum swings and athletic play throughout. It was also the second straight year Exeter knocked Salem from the state tourney by one goal.

“This is one of the better teams I’ve coached,” said John Gatsas, who has worked the high school sidelines since 1986, including 17 years through 2002 with SHS. “Obviously, it was a very well-played game, but Exeter – give them credit – beat us in transition in overtime.”

The Blue Devils led until just prior to intermission following junior Meghan Bench’s goal, a deflection of a long shot off the stick of sophomore Sarah Frahm.

Gatsas, though, was concerned Exeter was too often beating his charges to the ball. After some halftime adjustments, SHS, seeded No. 5, held fourth-seeded EHS scoreless after the break, helped by its goalie, Allison Breton.

Still, spectators watched – some with eyes partially hidden behind hands, others nervously nibbling fingernails – a second half that was more like a tennis match. Heads swiveled left, then quickly right, attempting to keep up with the frantic pace on Eustis Field.

Salem nearly took the lead near the end of regulation, smartly turning an Exeter corner opportunity at one end of the field into a two-on-one chance at the other. Melissa Higgins narrowly missed solving Exeter’s steady keeper, Emily Meade, who left the net and cut down Higgins’ angle. The speedy Salem midfielder threw her stick away in frustration.

Gatsas said his team, which crushed Manchester Central Oct. 21 in the preliminary round, 6-2, was naturally disappointed by the defeat. Yet he was also quick to mention the invaluable efforts of his departing seniors – Amanda Smigliani, Taylor Buatti, Christine Cannone, Carly Federico, Chelsie Muldowney and Megan Martineau.

Gatsas said he knows strong current contributors return in 2010, including sophomores Brittney Hall and Jenna Lucas, and he praised Christine Landry and Tiffany D’Amour, who coached Woodbury School’s 44 middle school players. He expects some of those athletes to further replenish Salem’s varsity squad.

“This was a great season,” said Gatsas. “I don’t think anyone thought we’d come this far.”

Salem High School seeks to keep foes on their heels with aggressive style

Salem Editor — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:59:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

When the opening whistle blows, the show begins. Under the guidance of new head coach John Gatsas, Salem High features a highoctane offensive unit that provides spectators an exciting brand of field hockey.

“We’re entertainers,” said Gatsas. “We’re up and down the field, we substitute everyone. My philosophy is that we have to play aggressively every game. We’re a talented team, and we’re getting better every time out.”

After dropping its seasonopener to Winnacunnet, 3- 0, despite keeping the game scoreless for 46 minutes, Salem reeled off three consecutive shut out wins. The latest win was a 6-0 decision over visiting Memorial on Friday, Sept. 11.

The Blue Devils controlled the ball in the offensive end most of the first half. Salem, up 1-0 thanks to an early Meghan Bench goal, didn’t begin to dominate until the final 10 minutes of the half.

Christie Cannone found the back of the net with 7:06 remaining and again at the 5:17 mark. Chelsie Muldowney gave the team a 4-0 advantage at intermission when she scored with little more than three minutes remaining.

Megan Martineau scored early in the second frame, and Bench, drilling a hard shot into the goal with 40 seconds remaining, capped the win.

While Gatsas is in his initial year with this group of Blue Devils, it isn’t his first time coaching at Salem. From 1986 to 2002, Gatsas was the team’s mentor before a stint at Memorial that ended last season.

Gatsas relies heavily on Bench and center midfielder Melissa Higgins, along with Muldowney, to lead the aggressive offense, but he also has a pair of strong underclassmen who spark the fastpaced Blue Devils.

Sarah Frahm and Brittney Hall anchor the right and left midfield positions for the coach, who said his team’s biggest weakness, for now, is that frenetic style of play.

“Our worst enemy sometimes is that we get overaggressive, but as the season goes on we’ll get better at that,” said Gatsas. “I like dominating and dictating to teams what we’re going to do. It took some time in the preseason to get used to it, but this team is ready and they’re dying to get back to the postseason.”

Salem field hockey's postseason flight grounded in quarterfinals

Salem Editor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:47:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

For the first time in Carol Merchant’s six years at the Salem field hockey helm, her team won’t play in the season’s final game.

In fact, after watching the ball go in their own net in the final second of regulation, Merchant and her sixth-seeded Lady Blue Devils were forced to accept a 1-0 loss at No. 3 Exeter and the reality they won’t even play in the state semifinals this year. Yet the coach remained upbeat following the defeat.

Though Salem played in the state title tilt the last five years under Merchant, winning a runner-up trophy and four championships, including the last three, she said this season was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

“You always want to go as far into the tournament as you can, and to lose on the final play of the game is especially tough. But this was the best team I’ve ever had,” she said. “This was a fun group. There was no drama. They were hardworking, they were committed, and the sisterhood was strong.”

The camaraderie, said Merchant, is a credit to her eight seniors – captains Erica DePinto and Lauren Meissner, as well as Ashlynn Moerloos, Leeann Vadala, Jennifer Azarian, Nicole Rozumek, Taylor Healey and Katherine Foyle.

Now Merchant and 12 returning varsity players enter next season without the weight of the crown, which isn’t to say their preparation will be much different.

“The expectation is always the same. You know, commit yourself to the offseason, come together as a group, build a team and go as far as you can,” said Merchant. “There’s a great core coming back, and our JV and freshmen programs are very strong this year, so I’d say the state of field hockey in Salem is still pretty solid.”

Those returning next season include junior goalkeeper Jamie Klufts and classmates Taylor Buatti, Megan Martineau, Christie Cannone, Keri Longacre, Carly Federico, Chelsie Muldowney and Amanda Smigliani, and sophomores Megan Bench, Danica Blakslee, Erika Moretti and Melissa Higgins.

Salem field hockey team's good start due to stingy backline

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:12:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Prior to the season, she predicted her team’s wins wouldn’t be pretty, but the victories would be there nonetheless.

Through four games, Carol Merchant’s words have proven prophetic.

Despite losing a large chunk of players from last year’s veteran roster, the Salem High School field hockey coach has watched her three-time defending Class L champs put together another fine start.

With a 4-2 triumph against Goffstown, on Monday, Sept. 15, the Lady Blue Devils improved to 3-0-1.

But just as Merchant predicted, the girls have had to work for every goal. After opening the season with a 2-2 tie at home against Winnacunnet, SHS took care of Nashua North, 4-0; beat Concord, 2-0; and squeaked by an up-and-coming Memorial team, 1-0.

“You only have to win by one goal, and we’re finding ways to score against tough defenses, and we’re winning tight games,” said Merchant. “We’re achieving our early goals and we’re trying to improve on specific aspects week to week.”

Oddly enough, it’s been Salem’s defense that has been the brightest spot so far, she added.

“In the past, I think most people looked at us and said our best defense was our offense, and this year I think we’re much stronger in that area than we have been.”

Against Goffstown, a team Salem defeated in the 2005 title game and again in the 2006 playoffs, the locals jumped ahead, 3- 0, before trading the next three goals.

Jennifer Azarian notched the first two scores on assists from Nicole Rozumek and Erica DePinto, respectively. Megan Martineau found the back of the net next, on an Ashlynn Moerloos helper, before Moerloos answered Goffstown’s first goal with a tally of her own – courtesy of another DePinto helper – with seven minutes left in the first half.

Jamie Klufts played solidly in net and denied a handful of Goffstown opportunities to secure the victory.

“I think we got off to a good start and jumped on them early, and then they got some momentum when we made some mistakes in both the offensive third and the defensive third,” said Merchant. “(We) had a little bit of an off day, but a win is a win is a win.”

Salem field hockey team eyes fourth straight title with fresh faces

Salem Editor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:51:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Carol Merchant had to admit, anything less than a championship last season would have been a disappointment.

After all, the Salem field hockey team featured five all-state seniors, including the state’s Player of the Year, Carolyn Malloy, and a handful of other veteran standouts who had worn the crown the two previous years.

Now Merchant, who has led the Lady Blue Devils to four titles and one Class L runner- up trophy in her five years at the helm, faces a different type of challenge, though the expectation remains the same.

“It was really special in a lot of ways to three-peat. I mean, it’s difficult to win one, but to go back-to-back-to-back was really an amazing accomplishment for us, especially because the best team doesn’t always win,” said Merchant. “That’s something we’re gonna try to make work for us this year. We’re not going to be flashy, but we’re going to be solid at every position.”

All but one player, senior Erica DePinto, are new to the starting lineup this season, yet the team returns a wealth of experienced players ready to take their turn hoisting championship hardware.

Seniors Nicole Rozumek and Lauren Meissner, as well as junior Chelsie Muldowney, saw plenty of playing time last season, while Carly Federico, Leeann Vadala, Katie Foyle, Ashlynn Moerloos and Amanda Smigliani also earned a taste of varsity action.

“This group of players trained side by side against our seniors who left last year,” said Merchant. “They know what it takes to put together a good tournament run, and they made those players who left better players. And in doing so, they became good players themselves.”

This year’s squad also features “super sophomores” Melissa Higgins, Meghan Bench, Danica Blakslee and Erika Buatti.

Jamie Kluft is expected to be solid in net, said Merchant, who added seniors Taylor Healey and Jenn Azarian should step in at forward and score their share of goals in 2008.

Statistically, admitted Merchant, four straight crowns is a challenging goal, yet she said she like’s Salem’s chances.

“We’re going to have to fight, but I definitely think we’re going to win a lot of our games.”

The Lady Blue Devils were scheduled to open their fifth title defense in the last six years on Wednesday, Sept. 3, against Winnacunnet.

As state champs, SHS places five on all-state teams

Salem Editor — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:45:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Carolyn Malloy broke a Salem High School record for goals in a season, while her team continued piling up honors, winning its third consecutive title and fifth in six years.

Last week, the New Hampshire Field Hockey Coaches Association announced Malloy as the Class L Player of the Year and named goaltender Adrena Ghazarian, center backfielder Taylor Dyer and her sister Tatum Dyer, a center midfielder, as first-team Class L all-state selections.

Their coach, Carol Merchant, said she couldn’t think of a more deserving bunch to receive the honor.

“It’s the first time we’ve had so many (players) recognized, and even though I still believe we have at least three other kids that are legitimate first-team allstate, they all have had absolutely great careers at Salem.”

Ashley Mulkey was selected second-team all-state.

Malloy broke the school scoring record with 30 goals this season, including two in the state championship game – a 2-0 victory against previously undefeated Timberlane.

While Malloy credited teammates and coaches for her personal success, she admitted it took a lot of hard work to become Class L’s most dynamic scorer.

“I think playing in the offseason every year has made a big difference. I mean, just playing all the time (helps). I don’t think I would be half as successful if I only played in the fall.”

Still, Malloy, who plans to play for Division I Northeastern University in Boston on a full scholarship, said it is unfair to name only five Blue Devils to the all-state teams.

“There are also a ton of other girls on the team that are excellent players as well, and if you asked me to pick out only a few of who are the best, it would be really hard,” she said. “We’ve all been playing together so long and have just bonded as a team through our experience during the season and in the playoffs.”

Tatum Dyer, who chose to attend D-I American University in Washington, D.C., over Northeastern, Kent State and the University of Connecticut, agreed.

“I was definitely surprised,” she said of her selection. “There are a lot of Salem players compared to any of the other teams, but a lot (more) of us could have made it.”

No contest – Salem dominates Timberlane for another title

Salem Editor — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:42:00 GMT

BY RYAN O'CONNOR

What looked like a dream matchup of Class L unbeatens turned into a nightmare for Timberlane, with Salem playing the role of dreaded monster.

Though the two teams battled to a 2-2 tie on Oct. 6, the Blue Devils were more prepared to avenge this season’s only blemish, defeating the Owls 4-0 on Sunday, Oct. 28, in the state championship
at Bedford High School.

The victory gave Salem its fifth title in six years – its third in a row – and reasserted the notion that the Blue Devils remain Class L’s lone superpower.

“Every year is different, and every group is different, and I know these girls won championships before. But right now the only one that matters is the one they won today,” said head coach Carol Merchant.

Unlike the first match, which was played on thick grass at Timberlane’s home field in Plaistow, the season’s final game was played on a dry day on artificial turf. Senior Ashley Mulkey said the conditions played to the speedy Blue Devils’ strengths.

“I think the surface of the field had a lot to do with it. I think a lot of our players are turf players and we’ve been playing on it all summer (and fall), and I think that was a huge advantage,” she said.

Salem overran the ball at least 90 percent of the time in the teams’ first contest, said Merchant, so the field was a factor in the outcome. However, having the entire team healthy and playing together may have been the single biggest factor in the win.

“We all love each other, and I think that showed on the field,” she said. “These girls really played unselfishly, and it was a stifling game on defense.”

Salem allowed three shots in the contest.

Junior Kyleigh Keating put Salem on the board, redirecting a Katie Bettencourt centering pass.

The midfielders kept the locals in constant control of the ball. Merchant specifically noted the standout play of senior Tatum Dyer.

“She was absolutely dominant … You don’t have to be an expert in field hockey to know that she stood out,” said the winning coach. “She owned and controlled the midfield, which is what she’s been doing all season.”

Carolyn Malloy’s two second-half tallies not only sealed the victory, they etched her name into the history book as the Blue Devils’ record holder for most goals in a season.

“I don’t care who you are or what level you’re playing, that’s a lot of goals,” said Merchant.

But if Class L foes think they will capitalize next year on the loss of Malloy and nine other seniors, they may want to think again.

“We’re going to do some rebuilding next year, but I tried to rebuild this year. The younger players got a lot of playing time,” said Merchant, who noted a lineup primarily of backups played the starters of Class L’s No. 4 seed, Pinkerton Academy, to a preseason tie.

“We had a lot of depth on this team with the younger kids and now they have to step up because their time is in our future.”

No let down – Salem field hockey beats Londonderry, eyes potential Timberlane rematch

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:05:00 GMT

BY RYAN O'CONNOR

Up six goals in the final minutes of a quarterfinal match-up with Londonderry High School, Salem’s offense looked as if it was in the closing seconds of sudden-death overtime.

And coach Carol Merchant couldn’t imagine her team taking a different approach.

“They’re fierce competitors and, you know, they’re never satisfied,” said Merchant, following the 6-0 victory on Saturday, Oct. 19. “Even though the score might be a lot to a little, we’re still working on things.

“They just want to leave the field feeling good about the way they played,” she continued. “If they let down, they’d have to walk away knowing they let down.”

It is that very attitude that may have led the Blue Devils to four of the last five Class L titles.

But more importantly, said Merchant, her undefeated squad is playing as good as it has all season.

“We tightened up all the things we wanted to tighten up this past week and the attack is obviously generating a lot of opportunities,” she said of playoff preparations and the subsequent result. “And the defense was stifling today.”

Though Merchant said the shutout didn’t reflect the level of competition on the opposite side of the field, she admitted the Blue Devils will be difficult to stop if they continue playing to their potential.

Junior striker Kyleigh Keating opened the scoring and senior forward Katie Bettencourt followed to give Salem an early 2-0 lead.

Captain Carolyn Malloy, a senior striker, then planted a long shot on a Keating assist as the Blue Devils headed into halftime with a three-goal advantage.

It was more of the same in the second half.

Malloy punched in a Bettencourt assist at the Londonderry keeper’s feet and then earned a hat trick by maneuvering through three defenders and sneaking the ball into the back of the net.

“They had their best defender on her man-to-man the whole game, but she just has a great mentality for goal scoring,” said Merchant of Malloy.

Senior Michaela Galvin capped the scoring by notching a goal off another Keating assist.

Salem was scheduled to play rival Pinkerton Academy of Derry on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at Bedford High School, host of the Class L tournament.

Should Salem advance, a potential rematch with Timberlane looms.

The two powerhouses played to a 2-2 draw on Oct. 6, the only blemish on each team’s record.

Salem schools city schools

Salem Editor — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:19:00 GMT

BY RYAN O'CONNOR

Following consecutive 7-0 home victories against Manchester Memorial and Manchester West, Salem’s field hockey team traveled and beat up on Nashua North, 5-0.

Senior captain Carolyn Malloy netted four goals, and senior Katie Bettencourt provided two assists.

Taylor Dyer, also a senior captain, was the only Blue Devil outside Malloy to score in the game against North. Michaela Galvin assisted Dyer’s tally.

Tatum Dyer contributed an assist on the first of Malloy’s tallies.

Meanwhile, senior Adrena Ghazarian could have napped in net, as her defense once again held the opposition shotless.

One, two… – Dominant Blue Devils seek yet another championship

Salem Editor — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:36:00 GMT

BY RYAN O'CONNOR

Head coach Carol Merchant expects the Blue Devils to compete for a third straight Class L field hockey title and fifth in six years. The team’s first game did nothing to discourage this strong inclination.

On Aug. 29, Salem opened the 2007 season with a 5-0 victory at Goffstown, a team it defeated, 2-1, in the 2005 championship game.

While the Blue Devils took 20 shots on goal in the first half and jumped to a 3-0 lead, their defense kept goalkeeper Adrena Ghazarian fresh, saving her the trouble of stopping a shot until the second half. She finished with one save.

Senior Katie Bettencourt tallied Salem’s first goal of the season with 11:11 remaining in the first half, opening a frenzy of shots that included goals from junior Kyleigh Keating and senior Sara Halbich.

In the second half, Keating knocked in a rebound, and senior captain Carolyn Malloy sent a screaming one-timer just below the goaltender’s stick hand to cap the Blue Devils’ scoring.

“Our team goal was, at the end of the day, to be 1-0, so we achieved that. We frustrated the other team, and our fitness levels were good – especially with the heat in mind,” said Merchant of the 95-degree afternoon. “Goffstown’s a good team, and I don’t think the score quite reflects the play because a lot of it was in the midfield. But I think, overall, we dominated.”

Still, Merchant said her team can improve in transitioning the ball from one side of the field to the other.

She added if her players had finished stronger they likely could have scored five more goals.

This year’s offense is led by Malloy, who, in the last two games of the 2006 regular season, netted
game-winning overtime goals, then did it again in the playoff championship game. She also scored in each postseason contest.

Another offensive threat, Keating, is a natural goal scorer according to Merchant, who said she also expects the team’s other two captains, Ashley Mulkey and Taylor Dyer, as well as Bettencourt, to regularly produce scoring chances.

Newcomer Nicole Rozumek, a junior, is expected to contribute immediately.

“We have a strong core returning, so the potential is very high for this group, but we’ve still got to work to achieve that potential,” said Merchant. “We’re not looking ahead, but I think we have as good a chance as anybody.”