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Field hockey aims to return to Class S tournament

CANTON, Sept. 5 — It wasn’t a typical Canton High field hockey campaign in 2009. The Warriors won just four games and missed the CIAC Class S tournament for the first time in 26 years (1983). Six seniors and five starters graduated including All-NCCC goalie Robin Donaldson and midfielder Kelly McAlindin.

Coach Sara Beaudin is optimistic as she begins her sixth season. “On every line, there is a returning player with some experience,” she said.

Senior co-captains Amanda Valley (midfield) and Kassie Grecula (forward) return along with seniors Katherine Eich (forward/midfield) and Kayla Gillooly (forward). Junior defender Meghan Davis returns as well. In goal will be junior Kayla Fournier with two years of experience on the junior varsity squad.

“I’ve already seen a difference,” Beaudin said. “A difference kind of chemistry and aggressiveness. There is a real hunger to prove they do have what it takes (to succeed).”

Canton (4-8-2-2, 4-6-2 NCCC) should have good speed in its lineup this fall.

“Passing will be important for us,” Beaudin said. “We’ll have to go around players instead of trying to go through them. And we’ll need to be aggressive in the circle. We couldn’t convert on our chances last year.”

Gerry deSimas, Jr., is the editor and founder of The Collinsville Press. He is an award-winning writer and has been covering sports in Connecticut and New England for more than 40 years. He was inducted into the New England High School Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.

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