DERRY — The Pinkerton Academy Astros field hockey team is ready for the new season. Last year, the team had a 14-3 record, losing in the finals.
Sixty-four girls tried out this month, according to coach Denise Rioux.
"Our returning starters are all our center-of-the-field players at midfield, defense and goalie," Rioux said, "and should be key for us with some younger players filling in the side positions."
Returning starters include Nicole Pacheco (captain), a senior at midfield; Jordyn Hamilton (captain), a junior at midfield; Erin Santuccio, a senior on defense; and Gina Rosinski, a senior in the goal.
Returning letter-winners include: Bailey Randell, a senior goalkeeper; Kara Parhiala, a senior forward; Brittany Hawkins, a senior forward; Mary MacDonald, a senior forward; Kate Stilling, a junior on defense; Clara Fenton, another junior defenseman; and Taryn Norris, a sophomore forward.
Promising newcomers are: Chelsey Cioli, junior, defense; Linnea Testa, junior, forward; McKenzie Kane, junior, midfield; Brianne Torre, freshman, midfield/defense; Katelyn Erhardt, junior, defense; Brooke Kirby, freshman, midfield/defense; Nicole Yannalfo, sophomore, forward; Canada Stewart, junior, forward; Michelle Reid, senior, midfield; Lauren Croteau, senior, defense; Haley Coy, senior, defense; Rachael Charewicz, sophomore, midfield; and Sam Noonan, senior, defense.
"We have some kids who didn't start last year, but played regularly and are ready to step into bigger roles this season," Rioux said, "and some promising kids up from the JV team that should really help us hopefully to return for a good tournament run."
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