LYNN — A new era begins at St. Mary’s this fall as the school’s field hockey program gets its first season underway.
The Spartans gathered for their first team practice two weeks ago. Since then, the team has homed in on learning the game while coming together as one unit.
“The team looks very promising,” coach Victoria Ault, a four-year field hockey player at Mater Dei Prep in New Jersey, said. “I was very impressed with how quickly the girls have picked it up. Some of them haven’t played before. The freshmen have picked it up quickly. Some of them have played before. It’s great to see how quickly the team’s coming together.”
For Ault, it’s a mix of emotions as she guides a brand new program. Ault, who’s also an assistant varsity girls basketball coach, knows there’s a tradition of winning through the athletic programs at St. Mary’s. She’s hopeful that field hockey will follow that legacy.
“I’m excited and nervous,” Ault said. “I’m definitely nervous to start a new program at St. Mary’s, especially with the legacy they have with athletics. With our team, our girls are a great group of girls and they learn quickly. I’m more excited than nervous.”
The Spartans will play a JV schedule this season. St. Mary’s opens the season Saturday (noon) at Fenwick. Other area opponents include Gloucester, Marblehead, Masconomet and Northeast.
“I have really high expectations for our team,” Ault said. “I don’t know what the JV competition’s like in the area. I’m excited for a fresh perspective. I’m excited that we open against Fenwick. I have very high expectations for our girls, especially with the way they’ve performed at practice.”
Leading the Spartans this fall as captains are juniors Shannon Lovett, Pe’jae Parent and Achan Wol. Ault said she’s liked what she’s seen from her captains thus far.
“They’ve done a phenomenal job,” Ault said. “Anytime I come to practice the girls are already stretching and ready to go. They have no problem voicing their opinions in practice. They bring the team together and their leadership’s awesome. I’m excited about the fact that they’re juniors because that gives us leaders going into next season as well.”
Lovett will play fullback.
“She leads by example,” Ault said. “She hasn’t played before and actually picked up the game very quickly.”
Wol, also a member of the girls basketball team, will step in at goalie.
“She met that challenge head on,” Ault said. “She’s our vocal leader.”
Parent will play forward.
“She’s a phenomenal player,” Ault said. “She’s played before and she’s taking on a huge leadership role with the team. Her stick control is phenomenal.”
Freshmen midfielders/forwards Gianna Korisianos, Jill Kirby and Kate Kirby has shown plenty of promise in practice. Ault feels confident that all three are ready to contribute.
“It’s super exciting. They’re freshmen that aren’t afraid to be vocal either,” Ault said. “That’s something you don’t see a lot in sports. They love to step up and that’s part of the culture our captains have helped create.”
Ault said the Spartans are looking forward to Saturday’s season opener.
“They’re nervous but more excited than nervous,” Ault said. “They just want to get that first game over with and get on the field.
“I’m super excited to start this program, especially with Jeff Newhall. He’s a great athletic director. With everything St. Mary’s is building toward, this is exciting to be a part of.”
