BY GABE BERNSTEIN

After losing 12 players to graduation, eight of whom were starters and three of whom are playing Division I field hockey in college, few expected a team that had cruised through the sectional playoffs and then into the regional playoffs last year to do the same this year.

“We definitely had pressure to be as good as last year, even though many people doubted us and didn’t think we would go far,” senior midfielder Jillian Richards said. “All other teams were looking to get us and make us lose.”

The 2009 Tigers not only went as deep into the playoffs as their predecessors, they went even further as they beat Kingston by a score of 2-1 to become regional champions. Not even the 2008 Tigers could get that far, as they lost in the regional championship to Melville, their one and only loss of the season.

“Winning regionals is a huge accomplishment,” sophomore defenseman Jessica Gardiner said. “We all went into the game ready to win, knowing that in just 60 minutes we could potentially be going to states.”

 The Tigers were determined to win from the opening whistle, as their first goal came just 12 minutes into the game. The goal was scored by Richards and assisted by Gardiner. The next goal came drastically fast, as junior Mady Despins scored with an assist from fellow junior Sara Hofmann.

“When the final whistle blew I was so overwhelmed and honestly in shock,” Gardiner said. “It was an unbelievable feeling that I will definitely remember forever.”

The great thing about this year’s team compared to last is that there is no group of star players upon which the team relies. Everyone on the team feels that her role is vital to the team’s success.

“A lot of teams rely on one particular player to bring home the victory, but for us it’s one hundred percent a team effort,” Gardiner said.

One may notice that experienced goalie Katie Stuntz is not among the top saves leaders in the Section 1. This is due largely to the great defensive line that plays in front of her, consisting of Emma Murphy, Heather Noto, Kristin D’Alba, Emily Allen and Gardiner. The defense barely lets any shots to get to Stuntz.

“After many star players graduated, I think we all felt the need to rise up as leaders,” Stuntz said. “The great thing about our team is that there is no one ‘star player.’ We are made up of 23 leaders who all have a great contribution to the team.”

While the team’s regular season record is not as impressive as last year’s, this team really had to work hard throughout the season and into the playoffs. While last year’s team cruised through the sectional playoffs and easily won the sectional championship game, the 2009 Tigers won the sectional title 3-2, barely holding off John Jay-East Fishkill.

“As the season progressed we knew we had to work twice as hard as all the other teams to get this far,” Richards said. “I knew that we had the potential to win sectionals and regionals; we just had to believe in ourselves.”

With a squad that fully believes in itself and has the desire to win as well, it is no wonder that the team believes it has the potential to wreak havoc in the state tournament.

“At the beginning of the season, we all felt like we were in a ‘shadow’ of last year's success,” Stuntz said. “Now, we have come even farther than last year, and are creating our own ‘shadow’ to be followed. We aren't setting a limitation for ourselves. Each win is a huge accomplishment.”