Another successful season for Amherst field hockey

Sweet Home coach John Faller talks with the team after losing to Aquinas. The Panthers ended its season 10-1. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The Amherst field hockey team finished the 2007 season with a tenth consecutive appearance in the Section VI Class B semifinals and a winning record.

Unfortunately, two defensive mistakes were costly in the game against Williamsville South and ended their playoff run with a 2-0 loss.

"It was a good game in that both teams had chances," said Amherst coach Laurie LeGoff. "As a coach, you always want an opportunity for the team to win. We had chances and did not finish. I am proud of the team in that they battled until the end, even generating scoring chances in the last 20 seconds of the game."

Nicole Marabella moved up to coach the varsity this year and was instrumental in the team's success, LeGoff said.

"Her sound coaching and strong relationships with the JV players enabled us to have so many girls immediately contribute in first year starting roles on the varsity," said LeGoff. "It has always been a team effort at Amherst."

LeGoff is proud of the seniors that led us to maintaining a high level of success.

"Katie Erbacher, Robin McDonald, Alana Madrid, Morgan Felgemacher, Sarah Hunt, and Meghan Wright were all instrumental in raising their own and the team's level of play during the season," said LeGoff.

Madrid had 12 goals and nine assists. McDonald (six goals, nine assists), Erbacher (goal, seven assists), Felgemacher (three goals, assist) and Hunt (two assists from a defensive position) also contributed.

Wright saw limited action due to an injury but was outstanding when she was able to play, said LeGoff.

"The seniors allowed Carolyn Sobol, Abby Muraco, Katrina Mc- Quiggin, Jordan Aprile, Maria Manunta, Lauren and Amanda Kapus, Maria Caffarelli, Colleen Murphy, and Erin Edson to develop into stronger players," said LeGoff.