Piner girls are taking program to next level
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD - The high school field hockey team is beginning to get a lot of second looks from opponents and spectators alike.

Once viewed as one of the weaker programs in the Shore Conference, this year's squad has beaten two teams so far this season and has put a scare into a couple of others.

"We're playing very, very well this year," LHS coach Darren Lee said. "Our girls are giving 110 percent and playing with a lot of heart. This year is different. Every game has a different feel to it. We're more competitive and other teams are sensing it."

The Lady Piners own a record of 2-7. LHS followed a 3-1 win over the Ranney School with a 1-0 shutout over Manchester. The victory over Manchester proved to be the first divisional win for the Piners in more than eight years.

"That was a big thrill for us and the program," Lee said. "It had been a long time since we were able to knock off a divisional opponent.

"Again, the girls believe that they can stay with any team out there. When you have a team that is growing in confidence, a lot of good things can happen."

Sara Lorosso notched the game-winner against Manchester. Lorosso gave LHS a 1-0 lead in the first half. The single score held up as Lakewood's defense took over. It was Lorosso's first career varsity goal.

"We got the goal and then our defense went to work," Lee said. "We didn't give them many scoring opportunities. We got outstanding play from our goalie."

Goaltender Shaq Bovan registered her first career shutout.

"She's been doing a tremendous job for us," Lee said. "We have a lot of confidence in her. She is a very good athlete and has very quick feet. She is doing a good job of learning angles and of communicating with her teammates."

In the win over Ranney, Christine Haupt, Deanna Soriano and Karolina Iwaniuk all scored as the Piners got their first win of the year.

Haupt leads the team in scoring with two goals and three assists.

"She is probably the most talented kid on the team in terms of knowledge of the game and stick skills," Lee said. "She has been a hardworking and dedicated player for the past three seasons. It's no surprise that she is one of the team leaders on offense."

Iwaniuk has two goals and two assists.

Two of Lakewood's losses have come by one goal. Last Saturday, LHS lost to Manchester 2-1 in overtime. The Piners had a 1-0 lead with less than two minutes remaining when Manchester scored the tying goal.

"That was a tough loss," Lee said. "The kids came away from that game feeling like they should have won it."

Lakewood also lost to Barnegat 1-0 and suffered a 5-2 loss to Point Boro after holding a 1-0 lead early in the game.

"We're no longer being taken to the mat," Lee said. "We're playing these teams tough."