The Freehold Township field hockey team prepares throughout the regular season with their eyes on the post season, beginning with the Shore Conference Tournament.
The Patriots are ranked fifth in the Shore Conference Tournament this season and defeated Jackson Liberty, 3-2, in the first round on Oct. 16..jpg)
“It was a very close back-and-forth game between two very well-skilled teams, but we did what we had to do as a team to get the victory,” Freehold Township Head Coach Kara Moceri said. “I didn’t expect it to be a runaway either way. I expect close, competitive games from here on out in the Shore Conference.”
Junior center/forward Julia Ericksen leads the team in goals with 16 through Oct. 20, and has led the Patriots in scoring the past two years.
“She came in with big expectations after leading the team in goals as a sophomore,” Moceri said. “She is very well-skilled in front of the goal, but she also has great defensive skills as well. Her best position is to be in front of the goal and moving the goalie to score.”
The Patriots have rotated through goaltenders this season, but freshman Alexandra Carnevale has emerged as the starter, who leads the team with 38 saves.
“We had a few goalies this year, but she has took the spot as the starter,” Moceri said. “She is very quick. As a freshman, she fit right in with this team and they have backed her along the way. We expect big things from her in the postseason and in the future.”
The defense is led by Kali Williams, who is a four-year varsity starter. Madison Hoskins and Jessica Applegate are also key contributors as midfielders. All three are a part of a strong senior class..jpg)
“We have nine seniors this year and they all bring something different to the table,” Moceri said. “We are going for our fourth consecutive Central Jersey Group IV section championship and they know what’s expected and what needs to be done. I think that carries over to the younger girls about what’s expected and how well they do to get to this point.”.jpg)
After finishing the regular season 12-2-2 and a second place finish to Colts Neck in A North, the Patriots are focused on taking the next step in the postseason.
“Our mindset is the same every year as we are going into these tournaments. We want to get better as time goes on,” Moceri said. “I think we start to come together in this time of the season and that’s why we do so well when it comes to the Shore Conference Tournament and the state tournament.
“The end of October into November is really what we play for. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. We’ve ironed out all the kinks throughout the season, but this is where we fine-tune everything and really come together.”
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