Field Hockey Squad Still Shooting for Gold

After taking some time off to watch her kids play, Cindi Todoroff returned to coach East Brunswick High field hockey in 2009.

"I came back like a kid in the candy store," Todoroff said.

There were many reasons for Todoroff's excitement, starting with a new turf field at the school. The chance to recharge her batteries also helped. Most beneficial to Todoroff's happiness, however, were all the opportunities the girls had-and have taken advantage of-to play field hockey all year.

Todoroff even works part-time at the and runs some field hockey clinics during the summer. Add in club teams and it's no wonder Todoroff says "there are just so many more opportunities now."

Todoroff is hoping those opportunities will help rebuild East Brunswick quickly. The team went 12-7 and placed second in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament last year (it tied for the GMC title in 2009). Unfortunately, East Brunswick graduated all-star players Jessica Ferdinand and Jessica O'Connor (the goalie the past three years).

Victoria Zaccaria (sophomore) and Emily Polinski (freshman) will try and fill in at the goal position.

"We lost two impact players," Todoroff said. "It's going to be hard to find two people to replace them. We're going to need everyone to raise their level of game to replace them. We need to improve the defense so that when the ball gets to the goalie, it's a straight shot that she can save. Last year Jackie made some phenonemal saves."

Samantha Lang (senior), Megan Geiger (senior), Lauren Dudra (junior) and Jacquie Neminski (junior) are returning letter winners on defense. Meagan Costello (sophomore) and Taylor McNamara (sophomore) are also in the mix on defense.

The tri-captains of the team are seniors Danielle DeMilio (forward), Analise Friere (forward) and Lang.

Lindsay Kinard (midfield) and Sarah Kelner (forward) are seniors that played last year. Carly Samuels is a senior that Todoroff believes can also make a big impact on the team.

Lauren Cram, a junior, was an All-GMC All-Star last year. She plays forward/midfield.

Sara Acevedo, a center midfielder, is another returning player.

"She'd the field general out there," Todoroff said.

Rachel Huang, a sophomore, is the other returning letter winner on the team.

Corrine Smith (a junior midfielder) and Leah Zweig (a sophomore midfielder) are the other two members of the team.

This group struggled a bit in the preseason, but Todoroff believes that can be a positive.

"We got humbled," Todoroff said. "We learned we're not quite there yet, but those games helped us identify areas we need to work on. Better now than the middle of the season. We'll get the kinks out."

The first official game is Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m. at home against Metuchen.

"Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year," Todoroff said. "On the way to rebuilding, we had a great year. We're looking to play at a higher level this year, but it's not quite there yet. We'll just keep working at it. We'll get there."