Westfield’s Lexi Minicucci dribbles the ball upfield against East Longmeadow last season. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – Following an 8-9-2 season with a loss to Northampton in the quarterfinals of the western Mass. playoffs, the Westfield Lady Bombers field hockey squad is looking to inch closer this year to their ultimate goal: a regional championship.
With 34 girls up for cuts, and the team’s record sitting at 2-1 in preseason play, with ashutout, 3-0 victories over Mohawk Regional and West Springfield, coach Karen Gomez is excited with the flight pattern for this group of Lady Bombers.
“We’ve had a good preseason,” said Gomez, the school’s athletic director who is in her fourth year of working with the team, and who coaches the squad with the assistance of jv coach Linda Rowbotham. “Our goalkeeping is going to be good this year. Karly Marsello is going to be big for us as a junior, and Jenna Rothermel is going to be a good backup.”
As the season home opener against Agawam on Friday gets closer, Gomez is also looking to rely on stout senior leadership offensively and in the team’s defensive backfield.
“Our two captains are up front, Lexi Minicucci and Ashlee Owen at forwards, and Monica Browne will lead the D from the back.”
When asked of expectations going forward, Gomez believes the team will be ready to go come September 6.
“I think we’re going to be above .500 ,” Gomez said. “We’re hoping for a finals appearance. We have thirteen true varsity players at the moment. We’re looking forward to the season.”
Westfield’s Monica Browne will be counted on heavily to lead the Bombers defense this season. (Submitted photo)
