Seniors lead defensive core of Live Oak field hockey

Live Oak’s field hockey team is returning a solid defensive core to set up a strong showing this year. But the Acorns will have to do it facing a new field of competitors.
Several schools that were only in the Blossom Valley Athletic League to play field hockey left this past month.
The result was the three divisions from last year being condensed to two, moving up teams such as Live Oak to the Mt. Hamilton Division to play some of the best schools in the BVAL.
Live Oak Coach Gina Sanders said St. Francis, Mitty and Gilroy should be the top three teams in the league, but said she thought the Acorns could still be pretty competitive.
“I think the goal of this season is to play the best ability we can without going too far outside our box,” Sanders said. “We’re going to be playing really tough teams and if we completely stick to our game plan and implement what we’re trying to implement, we’re going to do OK.”
The playoff structure will now also change for Central Coast Section seedings. The top four in the Mt. Hamilton Division and the Santa Teresa champ will receive automatic berths into the post season.
The No. 5 from Mt. Hamilton will play the No. 2 team from Santa Teresa in a play-in game to be the sixth team.
Sanders said the team just needs to remain focused and stay mentally strong when taking on the tougher opponents.
The mental tenacity comes through in how players support one another whether they are playing well or making a mistake, she said.
“We have a good bond where we pick each other up. If someone else makes a mistake, we help pick them up,” said senior Emily Conlan. “It’s just a good feeling to know that you got people behind you and in front of you that are there to support you.”
The defense will be led by four-year varsity player Hanna Doting, who was one of three named to the first team all Santa Teresa Division last year. She is joined by Emily Guthormsen and Conlan, who were named to the second team all league last year.
“They’re really big leaders and have been involved in a lot of stuff over the summer. I’m very proud of them,” Sanders said.
Conlan will see her role split between midfield and defense depending on the need.
Leading the offence will be Amy Guzman, who will play forward.
“Of those girls, they want the team to be the best they can be,” Sanders said. “They push them, (and) they work really hard in all the drills and running. They set the tone. They set the good example. It’s really great having them out here.”
The defensive experience will pay dividends this season, as there is a new goalie in front of the net.
“We’re looking for the defense to stay strong and really communicate and everyone be on the same page,” Sanders said.
Staying strong will have to be paramount, as Live Oak will be playing two teams that dominated the Mt. Hamilton Division last year, including defending CCS champion Gilroy.
“Girls have been more timid going into this season and more worried about what’s going to happen, but I really think we have a good, strong team here and we have some good things in store for the season,” Guthormsen said.
Gilroy, however, is reportedly not going to be as strong this year with the loss of several of its key components to its championship run. It will, however, return a goalie and a player who competed in the Junior Olympics.
Alex Kingman is taking over the duties this year in her first season playing field hockey on any level.
“Even though she’s never played before, she’s been at it for a week now,” Sanders said last Thursday. “She’s willing to learn and is really excited to be here. It’s been great having her want to try a position not many people want to try.”
Offensively, Taylor Dempsey will play center-mid. Sanders said she has been playing all off-season, including going to play a tournament in Virginia Beach.
Joining her are Allyse Styczynski, Giovanna Cimino and Brie Roman who will be forwards on the team and Sanders expects good things of the group playing with Guzman after a solid offseason where the girls were playing on club teams.
“I see that they got the itch from when they were freshmen and sophomores to play more,” Sanders said.
Also looking to make an impact on the Tessa Portskamp who comes from the Netherlands.
“She’s been playing for a long time, so it’s really fun to have her out here,” Sanders said. “She gets to play a sport she’s grown up with in her home country. She gets to play in America and represent her high school.”
Portskamp will help supplement the defense.
The lone freshman who will be playing varsity is Joie Niehoff, who will play right mid.
Moving up to varsity or this season are Maison Lewis, Christine Emuka, Monet Percun and Kayla Burdett.
Live Oak will open with a scrimmage against Saratoga on Wednesday. The Acorns will then kick off the regular season against Branham on Sept. 9.
“As long as we play Live Oak field hockey, we know we’re going to be successful,” Guthormsen said.