The Salisbury field hockey team will have some holes to fill this season after seeing five key players graduate from last year’s team in Rory Watson, Nevaeh Robinson, Katherine Lovelidge, Janeida Johnson and Riley Stauffer.

The good news is there are several players returning to this year’s roster and some others that will help fill the void.

The Falcons have two returning players up front in Ella DeFazio (junior/forward) and Sophia Ascani (senior/forward) along with Maggie Helsel in the midfield. Newcomer from Central Catholic Chandler Straub (junior/forward) will also help the Falcon offense this season.

One of the team’s strength this year will be its backfield, where defenders Gwen Schlack (senior), Kendall Shaffer (junior), Naiya Schankowitz (senior), Sam Peffer (senior) and Jillian Stoeckel (senior) will play in front of goal keepers Olivia Ringholm (junior) and Riley Knecht (sophomore).

“We have a strong cohesive back field,” said head coach Jane Brennan. “The defensive players have been working together and are able to use their individual strengths to join forces and evaluate the opponents. Their ability to predict and anticipate are amazing talents that will allow us to get and maintain momentum.

“We graduated five strong, seasoned players that will require others to potentially play new or different positions. Flexibility and confidence will be needed as we progress through the season.”

The Falcons also have good team chemistry this season and are excited to be back for a full season after an abbreviated and restricted 2020 season.

“This group of players has an incredible bond,” said Brennan. “They mesh and work together as a unit. We are all once again just ecstatic to have the opportunity to complete and represent our school and our community in the face, again, of uncertain outside influences. The team is not taking this for granted.”

The Falcons went 3-8 overall and in league play last year. Improving on that record will be one goal this season, but it will not be the team’s only goal.

“Our main focus is the health and safety of all participants,” said Brennan. “This includes players, coaching staff and our athletic trainers. To be able to have the opportunity to compete with a full schedule is something we are all looking forward to.

“The team has both personal and team goals. As long as we are growing as a team, staying positive, and developing socially and emotionally, it is a true win for all involved.”