Columbia field hockey players rejoice during the season-opening 3-2 win at Cranford on Sept. 2.
MAPLEWOOD/SOUTH ORANGE — Celebrating its 50th year, the Columbia High School field hockey team has enjoyed a great start to the season.
The Cougars won two straight games and three out of their past four games to improve to 4-2 through Saturday, Sept. 19.
Columbia defeated Union 8-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Union. After losing to Summit 8-1 at home on Thursday, Sept. 10, the Cougars defeated Verona 3-2 on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Verona; and defeated Sayreville 5-2 on Sept. 19, at Sayreville.
“We are so excited for this upcoming season, especially since it is the 50th year anniversary of our program’s existence,” CHS head coach Stephanie Rivera said. “We have a strong team with a dynamic we’ve never seen before. They move, play and practice as a unit and give everything they can for each other. They are driven to become the best version of themselves at every practice and every game, and reflect what Columbia field hockey is all about. Beyond their continuously improving skills, they are mentally tough and resilient. They give 100% regardless of the score, and have the courage to try new things and take risks, which brings our team to a whole new level. That determined mentality is definitely what contributed to our big upset against higher division team, Verona, who we haven’t beaten in five years, and a follow-up win against Sayreville.
“I am also grateful for our four captains this year – seniors Maddie Popowsky, Phoebe Perlman and Ava Casciaro, and junior Jamie Tarrow. They each bring something special and different to the team, and are so core to our early success this season.
“Finally, the word the captains chose for this season is ‘fire,’ and without a doubt, my girls have a lot of it. They don’t only have the fire to win, they have the fire to play hard, and most importantly, have the fire to play for each other.”
The Cougars were scheduled to host Millburn on Tuesday, Sept. 22. They will visit Mount St. Dominic on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Caldwell; host Governor Livingston, of Berkeley Heights, on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Underhill Sports Complex at 9 a.m.; visit Scotch Plains–Fanwood on Monday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m.; and host Newark Academy on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. for their Senior Night.
The other seniors on the roster are Rowan Stein, Violet Bennett, Hailey Rulnick, Shelby Holtzer, Penny Levesque and Valentina Vuolo.
The other juniors are Summer Connell, Arden Murphy, Lauren Walters, Aisy Olaine, Zahria Angelou and Maddy Klein. Sophomore Maddie Leahy rounds out the roster.
Photos Courtesy of Columbia HS head coach Stephanie Rivera
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