Delmarva Christian field hockey believes in young players
For the first time in nearly a decade and just the second time in program history, Delmarva Christian field hockey will roll out eighth-graders with its varsity team in 2024.
“Our eighth-grade class and our freshman class are super strong, but that comes with a certain experience at the varsity level,” Royals coach Lindsay Cannon said. “They played middle school last year, skipping JV, and now they're on the varsity field.”
Five middle schoolers will join three freshmen to give the Royals eight newcomers on its 17-player roster.
“It's a rebuilding year, considering last year we lost three seniors who were very vital to our team, especially our offense,” senior Bella Marinelli said.
Marinelli and fellow senior Lucy Magee will lead the young group.
“I'm kind of hoping this season, even if it's not a winning season; we can get the girls' spirits lifted,” Magee said.
The captains believe a positive attitude from everyone will go a long way.
“Body language, particularly bad body language, will influence everybody else,” Marinelli said.
First-year coaches Laura Balback and Cannon will lead the Royals this fall and have been getting the girls to buy in over the summer.
“During preseason, they did everything and anything we asked them to do,” Cannon said. “I'm sure some of the running and stuff, they were like, ‘Oh my gosh. Why are we running this much?’ But I think now they're understanding game speed and things that they need to do.”
“Our coaches have done a really good job of keeping us conditioned,” Magee said. “Our team has been working hard in the preseason, and it's good to see all the girls working together and enjoying it but also giving it their all.”
“We always start off practice just running a mile, and I think it gets our heart rates going, especially for the rest of practice,” Marinelli said. “They work us hard and make sure we're always hustling.”
Marinelli, the goalie, gets a good view of her team and believes Delmarva Christian will be a fast team with a solid defense and an emerging offense.
“It’s coming together, but we need a little bit more time together to work it out,” Marinelli said.
Magee and Marinelli said the team is very close, and players have learned to have fun with one another. The girls are looking forward to traveling to their ESIAC rival Gunston Tuesday, Sept. 10, and welcoming them Wednesday, Sept. 25. For in-state matches, the Royals have circled their away game against Laurel Friday, Sept. 13, and their home game against Sussex Central Saturday, Sept. 21.
Delmarva Christian will begin its season Friday, Sept. 6, at 4:30 p.m. at home against Tome School.
