Update: Gannon sent a letter to The Journal News regarding her replacement as coach. Below are excerpts from that letter:

• “I was humbled to see how many players, parents, family and coaches over these past few days who have taken the time to write, call/text, or try to visit me.  I apologize for being too upset to take some of those calls and visits. I guess you never know how many people you have affected until something like this happens.  The people are why I have stayed for 19 years, it’s not the awards, trophies or accolades, and it’s the people that I have met along this journey who have made it worth doing.”


• “When I was called into the Central Office on Wednesday and told that it was a courtesy meeting to tell me this news, after 19 years of loyalty, and dedication to the school district and in particular to the athletic department, it was a shock.  I am heartbroken, but I guess when you are told this in a 1-2 minute conversation, that is to be expected.  I have to say that I will remember the words that were told to me that day, for a very long time, but it’s the words that were not said that I will remember forever.”


• Thank you to the coaches that I have worked with, and played against.  Some of which will continue being close friends.  To whoever takes over this program, please be assured that I am reluctantly handing over these reins, so be aware that I am handing over a family, both literally and figuratively.  Please continue the traditions, and excellence that have been laid out for many years to come”

Gannon declined to comment but confirmed that she met with  Ramapo Central school district administrators Wednesday and was told that two other teachers applied for the field hockey coaching job and that the district would “go in another direction.”

Gannon, who does not teach in the district, has been instrumental in managing youth field hockey programs in Rockland County and led the Mounties to the first ever Section 1 field hockey title for a Rockland county school this year with an upset over Mamaroneck.

“I am so torn up that this fine young lady (has been replaced) after 19 years of developing the program and pee-wee programs and being a stalwart in the community,” Savage said.

Area coaches are contracted on a yearly basis and must be approved by the school board.

“Most athletic directors would say, ‘well, this lady has 19 years of experience,” Savage said. “Unless the two people (that applied for the job) have 19 years experience, I think this is a travesty. I’m going to talk to fellow coaches.”

Phone calls to both Suffern’s AD and associate AD have not been returned to The Journal News.

Please check back for further updates.

The post Bernadette Gannon to be replaced as Suffern coach; more details to follow appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

Members of the four-time regining Class B state champion Lakeland Hornets are shown above. (In the first row from right to left, Division 1 commits Kristen Conroy, Rebecca Bard and Gianna Bensaia).

Here are the Section 1 players that have signed Division 1 NLI’s:

Bronxville 

Brooke Bonfiglio – Brown

Lakeland 

Gianna Bensaia – New Hampshire (The Journal News’ Westchester Field Hockey Player of the Year is shown right, with coach Sharon Sarsen)

Kristen Conroy – Sacred Heart

Rebecca Bard – Columbia

Putnam Valley

Erin McCrudden – Louisville

Suffern

Sarah Adler – Northeastern

If I’ve missed other players that are playing Division I field hockey, please sent a note to vcsports@lohud.com. If you have further photos of signing events, you can forward them to me at pterrigno@lohud.com

**Photos courtesy of Lakeland high school

The post Bronxville, Lakeland, PV, Suffern seniors sign NLI’s appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

‘2012 Olympians Melissa Gonzalez (Lakeland ‘07) and Shannon Taylor will be putting on the ‘Stars and Stripes Field Hockey Clinic’ at the House of Sports in Ardsley on Sunday, Dec. 30 from 2-6 p.m. The clinic is open to players in grades 8-12. 

Gonzalez is pictured below as a member of the UCONN field hockey team (Photo courtesy of UCONN sports information)

In other news, Rebecca Bard and Gianna Bensaia (Lakeland 2013) were selected to the Harrow Sports/NFHCA All Region team. Bensaia was selected as a 2012 Harrow Sports/NFHCA 2nd team National All American. For more info – www.nfhca.org and visit the NFHCA Honors and Awards on the left side.

The post USA national field hockey team members to host clinic in Ardsley on 12/30 appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

Kaila Cahoon can’t recall exactly how she makes all of her saves.

Bernadette Gannon, her coach on the Suffern field hockey team, doesn’t know either.

The multitude of standing blocks, tumbles and diving saves that Cahoon made — 100 during her senior season — weren’t always pretty to watch.

They did, however, give Suffern a defensive edge it rode to its first Section 1 crown and all the way to the Class A regional final.

“Sometimes as a coach, you look and you swear the ball is going into the net and you kind of prepare yourself for, ‘OK, they just scored,’ ” Gannon said. “Then you are still watching and you’re like, ‘Oh my … she just made this amazing save.’ It catches you off guard.”

Cahoon, the Journal News Rockland field hockey player of the year, allowed nine goals in 21 games.

“During the summer, I was thinking that I just wanted to be the best that I can be and have as many shutouts as possible. I want to help my team win,” Cahoon said. “I think that I helped my team accomplish its goals.”

Cahoon’s marquee performance came in a 2-1 double-overtime win in the Section 1 final against Mamaroneck, which had 22 corner chances.

“Kaila was a beast,” said Toni Pjetri, a 2010 Suffern graduate and standout goalie for New Paltz. “I remember going up to her afterward and giving her the biggest hug. It’s scary in (those situations) for the defense and for the goalie in the cage.”

Cahoon was called up to the varsity during Pjetri’s senior season and Pjetri was able to impart goaltending wisdom and techniques to her eventual successor.

“Ever since she came up as a freshman, I knew that she was going to do great because she has so much ambition,” Pjetri said. “She was very aggressive and picked things up easily.”

Gannon noted that a strength of Cahoon’s, unlike other athletes her age, is the ability to effectively communicate defensive assignments to her teammates.

“The goalie has to be the leader defensively and has to be able to control the circle,” Gannon said. “Kaila does that really well because she does it in a manner that’s not bossy or domineering.”

In two hotly contested draws against Nyack, Cahoon’s awareness was on display as the Mounties were able to keep the exceptionally athletic Nyack forwards at bay.

“After so many games, I would tell (Cahoon), ‘You saved us,’ ” teammate Sarah Adler said. “A lot of teams outshot us and had more corners than us.”

Cahoon said she is still undecided about her future plans but is considering playing her college field hockey at Scranton and pursuing a degree in communication.

For now, Cahoon can relish the fact that her team’s section championship wasn’t just the first for Suffern, but the first for any Rockland program.

“I hope people can recognize the potential that (Rockland field hockey) has,” Cahoon said. “Next year, everyone will have faith that we can go a little further, from section champs to maybe regional champs. We brought a lot of recognition to Rockland field hockey.”

First team

Forwards

Sarah Adler, Sr., Suffern: The Northeastern-bound Adler scored 16 goals and had 14 assists. Adler scored to send the Mounties into overtime in the Section 1 championship and scored the winning goal against Kingston in regional play.

Andie O’Sullivan, Jr., Nyack: Area coaches have lauded O’Sullivan for her superb speed and athleticism. With another season remaining, O’Sullivan could easily develop into one of Section 1’s premier attack players.

Taylor O’Sullivan, Jr. , Nyack: O’Sullivan was Nyack’s leading scorer with 12 goals and nine assists. She also served as the flyer on defensive corners and the primary shooter on offensive corners.

Midfielders

Amanda Cano, Sr., Nyack: Cano set the pace for the Indians and took a defensive-minded approach to the midfield area. Cano displayed the ability to handle the ball in all phases of the game.

Emma Dempsey, Jr., Clarkstown South: Dempsey was the primary shooter on offensive corners and the main flyer on defensive corners. Dempsey routinely stole possession and pushed the tempo in transition.

Courtney Ocasal, So., Pearl River: For an underclassmen, Ocasal displayed confidence while controlling the ball in traffic above the circle. She will be an asset to coach Shane Carlacci’s squad for the next two seasons.

Defense

Julia Calandra, Sr., Suffern: Calandra was an intrumental piece in the Mounties’ run to its first section championship and into regional play. Calandra displayed excellent game sense and redirected the ball upfield with urgency.

Dynell Clement, Sr., Clarkstown North: The dynamic athlete and experienced player covered a lot of ground and constantly impacted play.

Taylor Fueg, Sr., Suffern: Fueg constantly circled in front of teammates and goalie Kaila Cahoon to block shots. Fueg was a key link in securing turnover possession and feeding the ball to the offense.

Moira Ungerleider, Jr. Nyack: Ungerleider was a huge reason why the Indians registered five shutouts and allowed one goal in five other games. The junior made superb block tackles game after game and cleared the ball with precision.

Coach of the Year
Bernadette Gannon, Suffern: Gannon channeled the talents of a defensive-minded team into a resilient bunch that led to Rockland’s first Section 1 championship. Her team displayed a penchant for winning tight games and advanced to the Class A regional final.

Second team
Taylor Bertolacci, Sr., Nyack
Carly Davin, Jr., Nanuet
Katie Delango, Jr., North Rockland
Erin Dolphin, So., Pearl River
Alanna Falcicchio, Jr., Nyack
Sydney Hiller, Jr., Suffern
Alexis Kydon, Sr., Nyack
Deidre O’Malley, Jr., Pearl River
Nora Patwell, Sr., Suffern
Courtney Regan, Sr., Clarkstown North
Sydney Rondina, So., Suffern

Honorable mention
Michael Callan, Sr., North Rockland; Nicole Caridi, Jr., Suffern; Casey Keegan, Sr., Clarkstown South; Steph Levy, Sr., Nanuet; Casey Macchia, Jr., Suffern; Annie McBride, So., Pearl River; Kristen Sammon, Sr., Pearl River; Olivia Schember, Jr., Suffern

The post Rockland Field Hockey All-Stars appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

Many high school coaches try to find ways to get maximum effort from their players.

Lakeland field hockey coach Sharon Sarsen doesn’t have that problem. In fact, getting her players to tone down their personal workouts takes precedence.

So which Hornet needed to make the biggest adjustment to her workouts?

That would be Gianna Bensaia, The Journal News Westchester/Putnam field hockey player of the year.

Bensaia heeded Sarsen’s advice to conserve energy and the plan paid huge dividends. The didn’t get worn down by the end of the season and it showed. The senior collected 15 goals and 18 assists — saving some of her best performances for the postseason —in helping the Hornets capture the fourth Class B state title of her varsity career.

Bensaia had a goal in the state final. She netted two goals and assisted on two others in the regional final and had another goal in the sectional final. She finished with eight goals and three assists in six postseason games.

It’s nearly impossible for Lakeland, which has won seven state titles, to rank its elite alumni as dozens of them have moved on to high-level college programs and select teams.

“In the most recent scheme of things, I knew that she was special from the time that she got to varsity as a ninth-grader,” Sarsen said. “She tried out and her skill set was awesome.”

Bensaia’s skills have been appraised by coaches outside of Section 1, including Duke assistant Jarred Martin.

“(Bensaia) has the ability to process things a lot quicker than other players,” Martin said. “You put that work ethic with that personality and brain, it’s going to equal great field hockey.”

Martin coached Bensaia during the United States U17 team’s four-game Canadian tour in April.

“(Bensaia) played defense for us and her intelligence is really good,” Martin said. “I would say her intensity is really strong also.”

The only blemishes on Bensaia’s 22-win senior season were a loss to Connecticut’s Darien and a few moments in the state semifinal where Sarsen felt her star midfield wasn’t distributing the ball enough.

“I had to tell her to move the ball,” Sarsen said. “But that’s why we succeeded, because we had so many people who did so many things.”

Lakeland pulled out a 1-0 win against a talented Maine-Endwell team before drubbing Pittsford Sutherland 6-0 in the state final.

“Everyone gets touches on the ball, that’s what is unique about us,” Bensaia said. “When teams tried to take me, or Gab (Celentano) or Kristen (Conroy) away, there were always other options.”

Bensaia will join 2010 Lakeland grad Megan Bozek next season on the America East-member Wildcats, coached by Robin Balducci.

“(Balducci) is familiar with me and I’m familiar with her,” Sarsen said. “She loves having my kids and I love having them there.”

Bensaia has played a huge part of protecting the legacy of a team that has not lost to a Section 1 opponent since 2008.

“Part of the reason for why we are so humble is that we put so much work in that we expect the outcome,” Bensaia said. “Obviously, we’re happy with the outcome, but why shouldn’t we be?”

All-Stars
First team

Hannah Fitzgerald, Sr., Mamaroneck: On a Tigers squad that fell in the Section 1 Class A final, the Union-bound Fitzgerald notched 15 goals and 21 assists.

Scarlet Sulliman, Sr., Rye: Sulliman and teammate Alex Bennett were a talented duo on attack for the Garnets. Sulliman had 10 goals and six assists and will play lacrosse at Fairfield next season.

Midfielders

Brooke Bonfiglio, Sr., Bronxville: The Class C Broncos challenged tough schools from Class A and B because of a precise attack that started with Bonfiglio. She had eight goals and 12 assists and will play at Brown next year.

Erin McCrudden, Sr., Putnam Valley: The Louisville-bound senior was a bright spot on a Putnam Valley squad that struggled this season.

Cassie Schuttrumpf, Sr., Carmel: Since the Rams were eliminated from the postseason for playing too many games, much of Section 1 did not see the 13-win Rams play. Schuttrmpf had seven goals and nine assists.

Defenders

Rebecca Bard, Sr., Lakeland: The Columbia-bound Bard had six goals and five assists to lead a rock solid Hornets defensive unit.

Alex Bennett, Jr., Rye: Bennett displayed a laser-like shot from direct hits off corners that helped her rack up 12 goals and eight assists.

Kayla Robinson, Sr., Mamaroneck: Robinson covered a lot of ground in Coach John Savage’s system and tallied 16 goals and 12 assists.

Goalie
Keely Connors, So., Fox Lane: The Foxes program may not carry the same weight as some of the Section 1 powers, but Connors was tested heavily and flat out performed. The Foxes tied Harrison, Ossining and Rye and lost a 1-0 Class A quarterfinal to Mamaroneck in which Connors stopped 11 shots.

Coach of the Year

Sharon Sarsen, Lakeland: Season after season, Sarsen’s team continues to feed elite college programs with superbly talented players while managing not to skip a beat. The Hornets captured their fourth consecutive Class B state title and seventh overall this season and have not lost to a Section 1 opponent since 2008.

Second team
Forwards
Michelle LoGiudice, Sr., Harrison
Caroline Knapp, Jr., Scarsdale
Gretchen Richter, Jr., Bronxville
Midfielders
Rachel Brissette, Sr., Mamaroneck
Dana Bozek, Fr., Lakeland
Kristen Conroy, Sr., Lakeland
Kaitlyn Gotte, Sr., Harrison
Defenders
Felicia Costanzo, Jr., Lakeland
Samantha Karner, Sr., Mahopac
Meredith Tibbals, Jr., Rye
Goalie
Maired Hourihan, Sr., Lakeland

Honorable mention
Olivia Barnard, Jr., North Salem; Michelle DeLeo, Jr., Harrison; Sydney Malsch, Jr., Scarsdale; Molly Malone, Sr., Ossining; Abby Murdock, Sr., Lakeland; Nickole Morgan, Sr., Rye Neck; Ciara Morley, Sr., Irvington; Emma Schurr, Jr., Somers; Julia Serafin, Sr., Pelham; Liza Stephanz, Sr., Mamaroneck; Kristen Webb, Sr., Carmel; Bailey Wood, Sr., Bronxville.

The post Westchester/Putnam Field Hockey All-Stars appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

In both editions, there will be a Player of the Year story, First and Second Teams, honorable mentions and Coach of the Year awards. 

For purposes of full disclosure, suggestions were made to me regarding the Rockland first and second team by the Rockland coaches. This is common practice in other sports as well. (Since our paper’s office is in White Plains, I  inherently saw more Westchester/Putnam teams). While I did watch 4/7 Rockland teams play this season, I appreciate the coaches suggestions.

The final call for all of the awards, though, rested with me and it’s clearly not an easy task to pick the 22 top players from a pool of 45 teams.

I’ve also received the official list of the Field Hockey Coaches Association Elite Player Awards (broken down by conference and includes honorable mentions and All-State player awards). I’ll share the list shortly as well.

The post Upcoming this week appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

“StartFragment->About six months ago a former player and I, Eileen O’Neil (South ‘06) met to discuss how we could build up an alumni group for Clarkstown South field hockey.  We figured we should start small and so a facebook page was started.  Then, about two month ago, a couple of players started talking about putting together an alumni game and Lauren Silva (South ‘06) said she would organize it for the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  By simply putting the event up on the facebook page a buzz started and people started to sign up.  As the word spread we added more and eventually about forty alumni signed up.  Additionally there were about 20 or 30 families in the stands who came to relive their time cheering for South.  After the game most of the players headed over to Lexington grill to continue to socialize and catch up with old friends.  Before the day was half over many players were talking about what to add to the event next year and which other alums they want to reach out to.” - Jordan Turner, Clarkstown South head coach

EndFragment->

The post Clarkstown South field hockey alumni game appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

CICERO - None of the Lakeland Hornets seemed content — until after Sunday’s game.

From the seniors already committed to playing in college to the first-year players that could have easily basked in their program’s success, everyone was motivated.

The team’s hunger and ambition culminated in a 6-0 drubbing of Section 5’s Pittsford Sutherland in the Class B final, giving Lakeland its fourth consecutive state title and seventh overall.

“We said ‘Defend till the end’ once the season started. That was our motto,” senior Gianna Bensaia said. “We said it every single game. People say when we’re winning 6-0, ‘Why are you saying defend, you’re doing a good job?’ It’s more of a defend for (Lakeland).”

Lakeland is now second on the state all-time list for field hockey titles behind eight-time winner Marathon.

Before this streak of four straight titles began in 2009, the Hornets other wins came in 1990, 2003 and 2006.

Bensaia, Rebecca Bard and Kristen Conroy end their high school careers with four state championships.

“Freshman year, when I first joined Lakeland, it was good to walk onto the team and know what a success it is,” Bensaia said. “That is when the four-peat started and it feels good to see the improvement here over the four years.”

The win concludes a 22-win campaign in which the Hornets outscored their opponents by more than 100 goals and lost a single game, to Connecticut’s Darien.

“We’ve worked hard, 12 months every year since freshman year,” Conroy said. “It’s time to show that and it we showed it in today’s game.”

Freshman Dana Bozek fielded a rebound and deposited a shot in the back of the net to give Lakeland a 1-0 lead with 16:26 remaining in the first period.

Junior Gab Celentano followed with two goals, off assists from sophomore Molly Fitzpatrick and Bard, to give Lakeland a 3-0 advantage.

Bensaia scored on a direct hit off a corner with 1:42 left in the first period and Abby Murdock and Steph Scala added goals in the second half.

Lakeland had 11 penalty corners to Pittsford Sutherland’s zero, and held the Knights to a single shot on goal.

Bensaia and Conroy were disruptive in the midfield, spoiling the Knights’ transition opportunities.

“The midfield and the defense did amazing today,” Lakeland goalie Mairead Hourihan said. “They’ve done well all season and today was the icing on the cake.”

The Hornets advanced to the title game after beating Section 4’s Maine-Endwell 1-0 Saturday.

“(The game against Maine-Endwell) was such a battle and the fact that we found a way to win against a great opponent was remarkable,” said Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen, whose field hockey teams have 509 wins in her 31 seasons at the helm. “As easy as the final was, with yesterday’s game, we were fortunate and blessed to move forward.”

The post Hornets celebrate seventh state title appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

Lakeland is now second on the NYSPHSAA all-time list for field hockey titles behind eight-time winner Marathon.

Before this streak of four straight titles began in 2009, the Hornets other victories came in 1990, 2003 and 2006.

“I can’t even put it into words,” senior Rebecca Bard said. “It’s literally the most perfect four years ever. I can’t believe that we get to receive the plaque and I get to design a ring with my co-captains.”

The win concludes a 22-win campaign in which the Hornets outscored their opponents by more than 100 goals and lost a single game to Connecticut’s Darien.

“We’ve worked hard, 12 months every year since freshman year,” Lakeland senior Conroy said.  “It’s time to show that and it we showed it in today’s game.”

Gab Celentano scored twice and had two assists for the Hornets. Dana Bozek, Gianna Bensaia, Abby Murdock and Steph Scala also scored.

Bard and Molly Fitzpatrick also had assists.

“I wanted to win this game knowing that I did something to help us win,” Fitzpatrick, a sophomore, said. “It’s something that I will remember for the rest of my career. Not only cheering but doing something to help us win.”

The Hornets had 11 penalty corners and allowed one shot on goal. Pittsford Sutherland did not have a corner chance.

Bard, Bensaia and Dana Bozek were named to the All-Tournament team.

To advance to this game, Lakeland topped a gritty Maine-Endwell team in the Saturday Semifinal, 1-0.

“Last night was such a battle and the fact that they found a way to win against a great opponent was remarkable,” Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen said. “As easy as the final was, with yesterday’s game, we were fortunate and blessed to move forward.”

The Hornets will return 14 players from this year’s team looking ahead to next season.

“There’s a lot of talent coming up,” Sarsen said. “They are young and they have to work as hard as this group did, they have to put the hours in on the turf.”

The post Lakeland wins 6-0, captures fourth straight title appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.

Pittsford Sutherland beat Miller Place 2-0 yesterday in the other Class B semifinal.

Lakeland enters the game at 21-1 and has outscored its opponents by more than 100 goals this season.

A win today would give the Hornets their fourth straight Class B state title and seventh overall.

I’ll be covering the game but unfortunately this space won’t be updated because the wireless internet is not functional at the stadium.

Instead, you can get live updates on twitter by following me: @philterrigno

I know that much of this blog’s audience does not use twitter, but if you have a smartphone, it’s worth it to create an account since the app is preloaded on most phones. It’s free and extremely simple (www.twitter.com). You can just search #lohudfieldhockey to see the updates.

As soon as the game is over, I will update this space.

The post Update: Class B state final appeared first on The LoHud Field Hockey Blog.