THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 14, 1995 TAG: 9509130152
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
THERE IS little question about which team is favored to win the Bay Rivers District field hockey title.
Nansemond River is loaded. The Warriors have 10 players returning, including goalie Carrie Morgan and last year's district goal scoring leader Kari Harrell.
``We should be very strong,'' said Nansemond River coach Bucky Payton. ``We've got some experienced players, but it depends on if they worked hard over the summer. We've got to put it all together to win.''
If the Warriors falter, Poquoson could be the team to beat. Last year the Islanders split two games and tied Nansemond River in another. Poquoson's win came in the district tournament.
Bruton, last year's tournament winner, lost 10 seniors from last year's team, but is still expected to be a contender. York also lost 10 players to graduation.
Lakeland could be the dark horse in the district race, with a good part of last year's team back.
Here's a look at the area teams in the Bay Rivers:
NANSEMOND RIVER
Coach: Bucky Payton, fifth year
Last year's record: 11-4-1 overall, 8-1-1 Bay Rivers
Returning starters: Heather Behrends, Sr.; Kim Griffin, Sr.; Kari Harrell, Sr.; Chrissy Mims, Sr.; Kristi Mizelle, Sr.; Carrie Morgan, Sr.; Catherine Sherwin, Sr.; Katie Sklar, Sr.; Heather Todd, Sr.; Jennifer Sherard, Jr.
Top newcomers: Sarah Meinertzhagen, Fr.; Melissa Johnson, Jr.; Jessica Powell, Jr.
Outlook: With nine returning seniors the Warriors shouldn't have a problem defending their district title. Harrell, a two-time First Team All-District selection, is three shy of becoming the league's career goal scoring leader. Morgan had an 88 percent save ratio and tallied seven shutouts at goalie last season.
Johnson led the JV squad in scoring last year, while Griffin, a defender, led the team in minutes played.
LAKELAND
Coach: Sue Ardelji, fifth year
Last year's record: 4-7-1 overall, 2-6 Bay Rivers
Returning starters: Keri Ardelji, Sr.; Sheila Byrum, Sr.; Lorna Riley, Sr.; Charity Gent, Sr.; Jenny Frierdick, Sr.; Lisa Pearce, Sr.; Jennifer Winslow, Sr.; Amy Aswell, Sr.; Crystal McCully, So.; Amy Johnson, Jr.; Jessica Zuniga, Jr.; Jennifer Jones, Jr.
Top newcomers: Dinah Morris, Fr.; Judith Laurussen, Sr.
Outlook: After losing six games in the final two minutes last season Ardelji says the Cavaliers are ``real hopeful'' that this will be their breakthrough year. ``We're a lot better than we've ever been,'' Ardelji said. ``(The players) have a better attitude and a better outlook.''
Lakeland has some talent returning to go with that outlook. Frierdick was named First Team All-District last year, while Gent and Pearce earned Second Team honors. Laurussen, from the Netherlands, is also expected to have an impact.
SOUTHAMPTON
Coach: Elizabeth Howell, first year
Last year's record: 0-8 overall, 0-6 Bay Rivers
Returning starters: Louann Culpepper, Jr.; Penny VanBrackle, Jr.; Kelly Wilder, Jr.; Sarah Worsham, Jr.; Jill Payne, So.;
Top newcomers: none
Outlook: Things should get better for the Indians after Howell settles in. She was hired earlier this week to replace Jamie Diehm, who unexpectedly moved. Southampton's success will hinge on how the players react to a new coach being thrust upon them Monday, a day before their season opener.
The Indians have a solid nucleus returning from last year's team with Culpepper, VanBrackle, Wilder and Worsham, who have all played for three years. Don't expect Southampton to be among the district's leaders, but they'll finally be competitive in their fifth season of field hockey. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Carrie Morgan, center, stretches for a piece of the ball during a
recent practice session with her teammates at Nansemond River High.
The Warriors have 10 players returning this season.
by CNB