WELLS ”“ If timing really is everything, then you can say that Sabrina Link truly does have it all.Last year as a Wells junior midfielder, Link went all season without scoring a goal.

Except when it really counted.

Then she scored twice, in consecutive playoff games and in overtime, to boot, to boost the Warriors to their first-ever Western Class B field hockey final appearance.

That, of course, was then, and this is a brand new season.

The only thing the Warriors can bring with them from last year is a little self-assurance, and a glimpse of what life is like closer to the top.

“We definitely have more confidence,” Link said. “We don’t want our confidence to look like cockiness, but we’ve all felt comfortable in our positions.”

Like most squads, the Warriors will have to replace key graduates with players who previously played back up roles.

Still, given the steady progress Wells has made under the four-year stewardship of its head coach, Kristin Williams, this year’s cast has already been well tested.

“The majority of our starters are all seniors,” said Link. “And we’ve played together since we were in sixth grade. So we’re comfortable with each other, and getting more comfortable with our skills. We’re looking good.”

It didn’t hurt that most of the Warriors played together in a summer league in Portland.

Played well, too, having gone undefeated.

“That really pumped us up,” said Link.

Since she demonstrated her net touch so ably during the playoffs, it’s a sure tap-in that Link will shoulder greater scoring responsibility this year.

“A lot of our corner plays, I get the ball,” said Link, who is as yet undecided about her future career and school plans. “Coach is giving me that opportunity to score. I’m definitely more in the offense as well as defense.”

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.