Despite Enduring a Steady Diet of Losses, PDS Field Hockey Saw Plenty of Positives
Undergoing a youth movement by necessity this fall with only three seniors on the roster, the Princeton Day School field hockey team predictably took its lumps.
Although PDS went 2-15, Panther head coach Tracey Arndt saw a lot of positives.
“A 2-15 record never sounds pretty but when you reflect on it, we were successful,” said Arndt.
“We had girls who had never played before and we had six freshmen on the field at times. They improved mentally, they played teams at a higher level and never backed down. Their individual skills all improved. They did what we asked them to do as coaches and you can’t ask for more than that.”
The Panthers gave their all in the state Prep B quarterfinals at the Ranney School, battling through a downpour before succumbing 1-0 in overtime.
“It is what I hoped for,” said Arndt. “With the weather being the way it was, they could have used that as an excuse but they didn’t. It was new to play in those conditions. They kept fighting and fighting. Katie Alden made a great stick save at the end of the first half. Kate Laughlin played great on defense. Dana Poltorak had that look in her eyes. We walked off the field proud of how we played.”
Arndt was proud of what the senior tri-captains contributed as Alden starred in goal, Poltorak showed improved stick skills, and Niki van Manen spearheaded the back line before being sidelined by illness.
“We are going to have a huge void without Katie,” said Arndt of Alden, who was a first-team All-Prep B selection and made honorable mention CJFHCA All-Mercer County.
“We had to overcome not having Niki. Dana gave us a great hit. The seniors gave us great leadership.”
In Arndt’s view, the squad has a great foundation in place, featuring such returning players as juniors Lauren Finley, Kate Laughlin, and Rowan Schomburg, together with sophomores Kiely French, Emma Garcia, Kyra Mason, Catherine Stephens, and freshmen Elizabeth Brennan, Kyra Hall, Emma Latham, Catherine Laylin, Gretchen Lindenfeldar, Madison Mundenar, Elena Schomburg, and Claire Szuter.
“I am hoping we can start next year where we left off this year, we have a great core coming back,” said Arndt.
“The girls learned it is about playing where you are needed. They all did whatever we asked, they all improved at knowing the game. At the end of the season, they were coming up to me asking what can I do to get better, what clinics and camps can I go to.”
The players also learned some lessons beyond field hockey as they stuck together through adversity.
“It is about why we are here,” said Arndt. “They had a strong purpose. They showed pride in playing for PDS and in the effort they gave everyday.”