By Kate Fishbone ‘22, Sports Editor 

After months of quarantining at home, the return to school was very uncertain, and the question of whether fall sports would happen was on everyone’s mind. Fortunately enough, Newark Academy students were ultimately able to have their fall season. Despite the unpredictable start to the season, the field hockey team came prepared to take on any challenge thrown their way. After putting in hours of hard work over the summer, the team was ready when the season finally started. 

From the first game of the season, the team’s performance demonstrated everything they worked for during preseason. The team dominated Verona and pulled out a 6-0 win to start the season. Their aggressive offensive line, along with their composed defense, is ideal to beat teams like Verona. They were able to control possession of the ball in the offense, keeping Verona from scoring any goals and getting NA’s first shutout. The momentum from this victory translated into the games that followed.

So far this season, the team is 8-2 with seven shutouts. Their only two losses came from tough opponents, West Essex and MKA. These two teams played at a fast pace, and although the score did not favor Newark Academy, the team was able to step up and match their tempo. With the exception of MKA and West Essex, only one goal has been scored against them. In contrast, Newark Academy has buried 43 goals in the cages of their competitors. Not only did they beat these teams, but they beat six of them by more than five goals. Regardless of the opponent, Newark Academy has been able to put up a fight and play an aggressive and competitive game. 

No matter the grade, every player has contributed to the team this season. The team is led by senior captains Jemma Nazarali ‘21, Mia Rubman ‘21, and Aimee Sze ‘21. One of the main contributors to the team’s success is Lauren Hardman ‘22. One of the female athletes of the month for September/October, Hardman always pushes herself and her teammates. With thirteen goals and two assists, she leads by example and is always ready to work. 

According to Hardman, “The team dynamic definitely contributes to why we are playing so well this year. Everyone on the team gets along and understands each other; we’re friends not only on the field, but also off the field. This connection helps us play more cohesively because we’re already comfortable and familiar with each other.” This strong team dynamic heavily lends to the team’s success this year and allows them to dominate most of their opponents. 

As the regular season comes to a close and the postseason approaches, the field hockey team hopes to carry their success into the tournaments. If they keep playing with the same aggressiveness and competitiveness seen all season, the future looks bright for the Newark Academy field hockey team