Spartans aim to qualify for state tournament

The Sparta High School field hockey team aims to improve on its 2022 record and is working diligently with a solid game plan.

The Spartans are scheduled to host Mount Olive on Monday, Sept. 18.

“We are returning the majority of our starting lineup and are looking to win the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) National Division, finish with a winning record and qualify for the (NJSIAA) state tournament,’’ head coach Corinne Bright said.

Key returning student athletes include seniors Maya Albers (forward, one goal and one assist in 2022), Orianna Bennett (goal keeper, NJAC National Division First Team, All Sussex County Second Team in 2022), Madison Campisi (defender, NJAC National Division First Team, All Sussex County Second Team, four goals and one assist in 2022), Sophia Candeloro (midfield, NJAC National Division First Team, All Sussex County First Team, 11 goals and seven assists in 2022), Shea Cina (midfield) and Claire Gallagher (midfield, one goal and one assist in 2022); juniors Ava Capeci (midfield/defense, NJAC National Division Honorable Mention, one goal in 2022) and Kailyn Moughrabie (forward, one goal in 2022); and sophomore Emma Johnson (forward, three goals and four assists in 2022).

Among the promising newcomers are juniors Mairin Byrne (forward), Ella Duphiney (defender), Keara Hynes (goal keeper), Eliana Intorrella (forward) and Emma Westervelt (midfield) and sophomore Leah Albers (midfield).

Solid leadership is in large supply for the Spartans this year.

“The entire senior class is full of natural-born leaders who have been a part of this program for all four years,’’ Bright said. “They have the experience and confidence to lead their teammates both on and off the field.

“We will especially look to our captains, Sophia and Maya, to instill not just a winning mindset but also one of inclusion and acceptance.

“We have three amazing seniors who are looking to play in college, including two who have already committed to play at the next level.’’

Last season, the Spartans tallied six overall victories and were 5-3-2 as third-place finishers in the NJAC National Division.

This fall, Sparta plays in that division along with Morris Knolls, Morris Hills, Pope John, Mount Olive and Roxbury.

Bright views her team as a contender and sees Mount Olive, Roxbury and Morris Knolls as among the top teams to beat in the division.