Scarlet Hawks working hard with only 11 full-time players

By Chris Villani

There are 11 full-time players on the Milford High varsity field hockey team, and a field hockey lineup needs to have 11 players out on the field. But the lack of depth has not dampened the spirit of this year’s squad, said head coach Jenna Casello. 

“It’s not new to us, we have never had a large number of girls on the team, but this year we are trying to work more on agility training,” Casello said. “I would say that we are working hard to improve each and every time and make the changes we need to make on the field.”

Casello noted that the Scarlet Hawks do sometimes surrender goals later on in quarters or after an unsuccessful break, situations where fatigue can come into play.

Milford has seen several players put together standout seasons, including goalie Kylie Merrill whom Casello called a “game changer.”

“She is constantly being complimented by other coaches and the referees in our league, they shower her with compliments and I do the same,” the coach said of the senior. “She is truly amazing. She has worked so hard the past couple of years and stepped up in a big way.”

Another strength for MHS has been the middle of the field. Senior Bella Willard is strong on the defensive side of the field. Nadia Palombo has done well playing with a pair of less-experienced wings, Casello said. Palombo is also one of the Milford captains, along with Merrill and fellow senior Kayleigh Morin, a leader on the forward line. Laraine Veo has been a standout in the transition game, and Casello praised her as one of the team’s stronger passers.

“The center corps has been really great for us to move the ball up the field,” Casello said. 

Milford has two sophomores who have played well this year, including Iyanna Correa, who has been a goal-scorer, and Jadyn DeTore, who has made big plays on defense. Casello is hopeful that a strong Milford-Hopedale youth program will serve as a feeder for the high school team in years to come. In the meantime, the small Milford roster is staying positive and looking to finish the season strong.

“Our biggest goal is to communicate in a positive way and not let the girls get down on themselves, but take the positives from each and every game and work them into our practices,” Casello said. “Capitalizing on opportunities is going to be really, really big for us the rest of the season.”