BY OLIVIA GIELLO AND CAMDEN LETIEN

This year’s field hockey season is drawing to a close. The girls are hoping for a spot in the Northeast Conference playoffs. Whatever the outcome, it has been a special experience for the BHS Field Hockey “family.”

“My favorite part of the season is the bonds and friendships I’ve made with the team this year,” Pelletier said. “All of these girls are so special and I couldn’t ask for better teammates.” 

The team’s success this season is at least partly attributable to the considerable time the team has spent together. During the preseason, the team went to a sleepaway camp, conditioned together, and played in captain’s practices and summer league scrimmages, forward Jennifer Pelletier said. 

“This teamwork not only made us have better playing skills altogether,” Pelleteier said. “It also made us closer to each other and created the trust that is essential to have on the field and when we play together.” 

The end of sports seasons can have special significance for seniors. Teammates forge bonds that endure off the field.

“My favorite part of the season would have to be the team,” utility player Cerys Murphy said. “We are a very close group this year.”

A treasured memory for this year’s upperclassmen was Senior Day.

“As a senior it felt really nice to have a game dedicated to the group of girls that will be leaving next year, said Amelia Massa, Panther goalie. “I loved to see how everything was thought out, all the decoration, food, and posters.  I also got to play field for half of that game and I ended up scoring a goal so that definitely makes it more memorable for me.” 

Murphy fondly recalled breakfast after 6am practices.

Pelletier reflected on the perseverance it required to reach the highest level of high school field hockey.

“I was on JV when I wanted to be on Varsity. But I ended up getting pulled up for playoffs and making varsity the following year,” Pelletier recalled. “My hard work and dedication paid off.” 

Having reached the pinnacle of high school field hockey, Pelletier has picked up some wisdom for younger athletes.

“Appreciate every second of your season. Work hard and give one hundred percent effort all the time,” Pelletier said. 

With the large number of seniors graduating, there is going to be a large demand for field hockey players in fall 2023. Seniors are hoping that younger players will step forward to lead the field hockey team next year.

“Being a part of this sport is something they will never forget and will always be grateful for their time here throughout high school,” Pelletier said. “The friendships and bonds made on and off the field are what make field hockey the best part of high school.”