BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford Field Hockey program is all about potential this year as the Tigers look to rebuild a system that once was a dominant force in southern Maine.
They look to start rebuilding this year, with no seniors on the team.
After a disappointing 2-11-1 season last year, it was clear that Biddeford needed to build with experience and structure to be at the top again, said Biddeford coach Leslie Mourmouras.
This year, Caitlin Albert joined the team filling a vacant junior varsity coaches position.
“This is my first year with a JV, assistant coach,” said Leslie Mourmouras. “(Albert) was a great player and has a great field hockey mind.”
In this offseason, Albert helped Mourmouras get the team ready for the upcoming season. They focused on fundamentals, which included stick work, passing and getting their bodies into athletic shape. With a lack of experience on the team, the players will try and learn from every game, Mourmouras said. Mourmouras and Albert evaluated every player this summer, and several have changed positions to suit the team’s needs.
A well-established field hockey program at the middle school level has created more experienced players for the varsity team. This year’s team features only three juniors and six sophomores. The Tigers will have to rely on their freshmen to give them quality minutes, Mourmouras said.
This Biddeford youth movement is one that brings energy, past experience and determination to the field, she said.
“The reason why we have so many freshmen and sophomores is because the junior high program is getting stronger,” said Mourmouras.
Players to key on this year from Biddeford’s offense are midfielders Alex Quigley and Mallory Mourmouras, and forward Autumn Carey. All three of these players show great stick control and are always involved in getting the offense going, Mourmouras said.
Defensively goalie Mackenzie Hevey is great from post to post in goal with great technique, Mourmouras said. She also has defensive player Mikaela Lafontaine stopping would-be attackers from getting shots off on goal.
“I am confident they will improve with each game and put more games in the win column this season,” said Mourmouras.
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