Highlanders win conference

The West Milford High School field hockey team wrapped up another successful season this fall.

The Highlanders tallied an impressive overall record of 18-3-1 and finished as conference champions.

“I have a few games that really stick out to me as games I want to remember from our time together,’’ head coach Krista Provost said. “When we played Passaic Valley earlier on this season and won 6-0, it was a solid team win. All of the players on the roster played in the game and performed well. I know we had a fun bus ride, which helped cap off the win.

“But my favorite game of the season would have to be our conference championship game against Northern Highlands. Northern Highlands is a phenomenal program year after year. We went into this game knowing we had to do whatever it takes to secure at least a tie in order to be conference champs.

“My goalie played the game of her life and her defenders returned the same energy, helping to block the 35 shots on goal as well as 15 penalty corners. It was a great game and it helped secure us as conference champs.’’

Provost saw considerable improvements made by several players.

“Brodie Loveland really impressed me this season,’’ she said. “She played at the JV level and this was her first season on varsity. She’s currently top 10 in the state with her goals (31). She was able to dribble and dodge through opponents like it was a piece of cake.

“Other athletes who impressed me this season were my defensive unit as a whole. Teams hated going up against them because they were a wall.

“Led by captains Laurel Space and Vivian Sirnik, Sam Ryba and Ava Brock along with our goalie, Emmeline Kreutzer, (they) earned 14 shutouts and only let in 17 goals (six were penalty strokes).

“Emmeline Kreutzer impressed me in her first year as our varsity goalie. She worked really hard at practices from the start of the season to the end to improve her game. Addy Seidner had a great season and, in addition to Lily Kreutzer, led the team with assists.’’

Kreutzer, Sirnik and Space were the three captains this year.

“These three athletes have been on varsity since their sophomore year,’’ Provost said. “They have contributed to our conference title in 2022 as well as this season and going to the county finals for three years straight. These girls understand the high level demand of athletes in the high-pressure games like a county final or a conference championship.

“In addition to their leadership, Brodie Loveland and Julia Reilly stepped up on and off the field to help lead our team. Julia fell into her role as the team mom, being a friend to talk to as well as having all kinds of supplies that I needed at any given time.

“Brodie was the leader on the field and led the team with goals. This group of seniors left their mark as conference champs on the field, but their performance and leadership off the field is something that I know my sub-varsity levels will remember forever.’’

The Highlanders advanced to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 2 tournament quarterfinal round as the No. 5 seed, and they were defeated by fourth-seeded Warren Hills, 5-0.

West Milford topped Lakeland, 2-1, in the first round of the tournament.

Optimism abounds for the future for the Highlanders.

“I am very excited for next season,’’ Provost said. “Losing for the third year in a row in the county championship game does something to the team. It locks them in and puts ownership on my athletes to go to work during the off-season.

“I told the team we need to practice for practice. We cannot come in next season expecting the August hype to keep us competitive. The magic happens from November through July, and I’m excited to be right there to get them where they need to be.’’

The 2024 season will be remembered for more than the big-time victories on the field.

“We did a huge Play for the Cure pink game in October,’’ Provost said. “Between our youth teams and the high school team, we raised over $1,500 and donated it to Minette’s Angels. It was great for the girls to see the importance of service learning and being involved in their community.

“I loved seeing my freshmen and JV teams planning fun events with their teams like taco parties, charcuterie board parties and other gatherings. I know a lot of emphasis is usually on the varsity level, but seeing them bond and work together is the best.’’