Tigers Stay Hungry, Eye Return to Sectional Finals

PUTNAM VALLEY—The Putnam Valley high school field hockey team has experienced some considerable success in the few years the program has been around. Last year the Tigers were one goal away from a sectional championship. This year the Tigers look to continue on that success.

Dana Tatnell SKIP PEARLmAN Last year the Tigers finished 16-4- 1 and lost in the final to Bronxville in overtime. They are a bit younger and less experienced this season, but coach Toniann Cortina still expects a strong season from her squad.

“I think it will be a work in progress,” said Cortina. ”But the talent and potential is there. At this point it is about gelling together on the field.”

The Tigers lost their starting goalie, Tianna Daley, and two All-Section standouts in Hannah Tavella and Amanda DeChent, but they have some returning starters that Cortina expects to have an impact early.

Erica Wharton SKIP PEARLMAN Junior Dana Tatnell, sophmore Erin McCrudden and senior Erica Wharton all got good playing time last year and are expected to step up and play an even bigger role this season.

“Erica is our best defender,” said Cortina. “She uses her speed well, she stops breakaways and is all over the field. Dana and Erin will be in the mid field, their vision and stick work should catapult our team in many ways.”

Sophmore Sakaya Abe, junior Lauren Landi, senior Lauren Mias, senior Alissabeth Minnich, senior Maria Rao, senior Alissa Schult, senior Victoria Stanishia, sophmore Melissa Wagner, senior Kristen Weeks and sophmore Diane Rush are also returning.

Juniors Cailin Dunphy, Kim Gallo, Brianna Case, Devon O’Neill, Mackenzie Auth, Jen Whittaker, Heather Pullis and Morgan Scheurich are all newcomers.

“Dunpy should see some time,” said Cortina. “She has worked hard every practice, she gives her all. She is also coachable, it’s always good to know kids can take directions.”

The Tigers have moved back to Class B and have a new league. The league consists of Lakeland, John Jay East Fishkill, Lourdes, Arlington and Ketcham.

“I have only seen Lakeland and East Fishkill in action,” said Cortina. “They are big, strong and talented programs. I expect the other teams to be pretty good too because they are big schools, so we know we have a tough road ahead of us.”

Cortina lost a few good players and has been thrown into a strong league, but her confidence is very clear.

“It will be a lot of work,” said Cortina. “I don’t think we will be great right at the start, but once we work the kinks out I think we will be good. All the pieces are in place, so I think we will really get rolling by the middle of the season. We want to get back to the sectional championship.”

The Tigers have their home opener on the 15th against Lakeland at 4:30.