By Josh Lashley

As any college coach looking to recruit the very best high school field hockey student-athlete that they possibly can will almost certainly attest, many of the highest level programs and players in the entire country compete in New Jersey.

The facts speak for themselves including that the top team in the United States right now is Eastern High School in Voorhees. But, beyond the perennial powerhouse Eastern, there are so many outstanding squads in the Garden State which makes what the Morristown High School field hockey program is achieving thus far this season even more meaningful and noteworthy.

Not only are the Colonials winning, but they’re doing so in dominant fashion against some tough competition. They are building the type of momentum that may very well carry them far in the post-season.

Through the first week of October, Morristown had an overall record of 10-1 and they were 3-0 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference United Division. At the time of this deadline, the Colonials had sole possession of first place in the United Division.
Beyond all of that, consider that Morristown has outscored their opponents through their first 11 regular season games by a combined goal total of 34-3.

The Colonials have a solid coaching staff as well as well-respected, veteran leaders on the roster including the team captains-Charlotte Duff, Marlena Falmy and Alyssa Richtarek, all of whom are seniors.

Diane DeSalvo, Morristown’s head field hockey coach, mentioned a few of the many strengths that Duff, Falmy and Richtarek possess as captains.
“They are leaders,’’ DeSalvo said. “They are positive role models and can keep the team focused and motivated through the ups and downs in the season.
[Duff, Falmy and Richtarek help their teammates through] example and motivation.”

DeSalvo mentioned that the captains get the job done where it counts the most-in the classroom. She stated that they have high GPA’s and take honors and AP courses.

Beyond the captains, DeSalvo stated that the top contributors for the Colonials this year include Devon Colquhoun, Jackie Clemons, Eleanor Meli, Jackie Miller and Callie Sundin.
 
Morristown is looking forward to a strong seed in the upcoming NJSIAA North 1 Group Four Sectional Tournament. First round Sectional Tournament playoff games are set to begin on Oct. 25. Last season, the Colonials advanced to the North One Group Four Sectional semifinal round before losing by one goal to Randolph.