THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 29, 1994 TAG: 9409270129
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
THE MAURY FIELD hockey team has won the Eastern District title every year since Norfolk schools began playing the sport in 1979.
And there is no reason to believe the domination won't continue this season.
Coach Pat Panzik, whose Commodore teams have struggled once they entered Eastern Region competition, is taking steps to better prepare her squad for the playoffs.
Seems getting there is almost a gimme.
``But the rest of the district just keeps getting better and better every year,'' Panzik said. ``Heavens yes, they're all getting better.''
Many of Maury's players attended summer camps in an effort to improve, and Panzik decided to take in a few games against Virginia Beach teams which dominate play in the region and state.
``I think playing them earlier will help our girls prepare for when we play them later on,'' Panzik said. ``Maybe it won't be such a shock then.''
Leading the way for Maury is returning leading scorer Sally Roman, a senior. She gets help from junior sister Katie Roman on the forward line.
Meredith Whibley is being moved from the keeper position to a defensive position on the field and will work with Sarah Stites. Both are seniors.
Senior Raegen Williams will take over in goal.
Colleen Maloney, Janet Blevins and Katie Joyner are sophomores expected to play big roles.
That leaves the battle for the No. 2 spot for the district's second berth in the region.
It is expected to be tough going for that spot.
Lake Taylor, Norview and Booker T. Washington are the teams Panzik expects to contend, although Granby could surprise.
Norview, which took the spot last year, is guided by first-year coach Kristen Allen.
The Pilots have a world of experience, with nearly the entire team returning.
They too have spent time at camps.
Seniors are Taschell Coaxum, Tennille Toomer, Jennifer Deverra, Tamika Hofler, Dawn Anderson, Kewonnie Foster, Jennifer Ramos, Kimberly Sheffield.
Keonna Maker and Tasheanna Cobb are sophomores stepping into starting roles. Tiffany Bledsoe is a sophomore transfer from Salem in Virginia Beach who will bring quite a bit of the Beach skill level with her. Terrie Byers is a senior in her first year in goal.
``Our offense should be our strength,'' Allen said. ``These girls have been together a long time and we're working hard on playing with the right attitudes.''
Lake Taylor only has two seniors, but has already scored a 2-1 victory over the Pilots. Senior Lisa Riedel and sophomore Erin Harkins are the defensive leaders, while senior Heather Harkins and sophomore Stephanie Lynch are the offensive leaders.
Erin Finn is a freshman in goal, and Christina Tarr is a freshman forward expected to contribute. Lisa McGowan is a sophomore halfback.
Coach Beanie Felch said the forward line should hold the team together, giving the newcomers time to jell.
Granby is sporting one of the youngest teams in the district with only one senior - Onawa Carter, a forward.
Juniors helping her with experience are Nicki Reese, Denise Fowble, Rachel Gerloff and Tracie Branch. Three sophomores - Lauren Bowen, Erin Justus and Theresa Kootz - are expected to play key roles.
``We've got a lot of heart,'' said coach Amy Tomasulo. ``We're young and that gives me a few years to work with these girls.''
Booker T. Washington is expecting to improve because of a maturity in players coach Mary Lib DeLong said she hasn't seen in three seasons.
Leading the way are seniors Kiki Sowell and Alicia Fields. Key juniors are Lynn Clark, Robin Finell and Vera Roberts. Sophomores playing major roles are Leah Buhler and Sherika Sadler. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Leading the way for Maury is returning top scorer Sally Roman, a
senior.
by CNB