Peabody field hockey enters new season with high hopes

PEABODY — When you win only three games in one season, there’s only one place to go – up.

Tawny Palmieri, now in her second season as head coach of the Peabody field hockey team, promises that’s exactly where the Tanners are going this season.

The Tanners have not qualified for the Division 1 North tournament since 2012. And it’s been 12 years since Peabody last won a tournament game. But all of that means nothing to Palmieri, who played on the last Tanner team to win a playoff game in 2007.

“Last year we were 3-12-3 which I took as a positive because the year before they had only won one game,” said Palmieri. “I had told the girls they need to set their expectations high, but they have to be attainable.

“We are shooting for the state tournament, obviously, always, that’s your goal and to go as deep as possible. But I feel that this year, as long as we keep winning more games each year, we will be successful.”

The Tanners have plenty of holes to fill, notably at midfield with the departure of senior captains Hailee Monies and Marlana Winchsel along with twin sister Sophia Winschel, a defensive back. Monies and Marlana Winschel were members of the Northeastern Conference All-Conference team.

Senior forward/midfielder Jess Bacelar, goalkeeper Sydney Branga, a 2018 NEC All-Star honoree, and Alise Maltsev will serve as captains.

2018 NEC All-Star Sophie Izzo, a senior forward, is also back.

While Palmieri has not announced her final roster, other returning players are junior goalkeeper Kylie Colella, forward/midfielder Lilly Bromberger, forward Isabel DeCicco, forward midfielder Elise Staunton, forward Dado Nasso and midfielder Elise Motzin.

Several promising newcomers are in the mix for playing time including Gina Terrazzano, Sarah Serino, Jackie Scopa and freshman Sibohan Smith.

are also in the mix for playing time.

“Gina and Sarah were both going to brought up for the tournament, but never did when we didn’t make it,” said Palmieri. “Siobhan is only a freshman but is another player with a ton of athletic ability, and Jackie never played until this year, but is showing a lot of promise. We need kids like that.”

Palmieri said the overall goal for this year’s team is to begin re-building the program.

“You have to start with a realistic goal and just keep moving it up,” she said. “That’s so important for these kids to realize by doing that, they are developing a program. Just by doing what they can to make the program is going to help us. And it all starts with making the tournament.”

Palmieri said she expects Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead and Gloucester to be the top teams in the NEC.

“In our whole league, the coaches know what they are doing and are able to get the athletes, to come up and build field hockey dynasties in those communities,” Palmieri said. “It’s tough to compete with them with only 29 kids. 

“But out goal is to eventually be competitive with those teams and we are making strides. Llast year we only had 22 kids and I am hoping this year we can get the number up to about 35.”

Palmieri said that while the team only has a week under its belt, the strength of the team will be defense.

“Losing Hailee is a hit as she was a goal scorer and a very good playmaker, but I do see some of the returning juniors who are going to have to make a giant step in scoring,” Palmieri said. “Defensively, we have a lot of new sophomores who look good and also our captains play more of a defensive midfield, so we will be alright on defense. We also have a couple of good goalies who can also play the field, so that also will help.”

The Tanners open the season next Tuesday afternoon (4) with a non-conference game at home against Ipswich. Their first conference contest follows the next day against Danvers, also at home (4).