SALEM — Close, but no celebration — just yet.
That's the story of the Salem High field hockey team, who head into this afternoon's game at Gloucester (5:30 p.m.) needing a single point to qualify for the state tournament for the first time in more than 20 years.
With 15 seniors on their roster, the Witches (8-2-1) need only to tie one of their final seven games to get into the playoffs; they'd like to take care of business as quickly as possible. After all, this is a team that was oh-so-close a year ago before ultimately falling short of their goal by a single game.
"We've been together since freshman year and are all very dedicated," said defender Ashley Felton. "It was disappointing to come so close and not make it (in 2007), but we set our goal to do it as seniors."
Head coach Courtney Gosselin has been involved with Salem High field hockey for the last eight years, including six as head coach.
"From what I've been hearing, no Salem High team has made it (to the playoffs) since the mid 1980s," she said.
With experience, leadership and a bevy of seniors, not to mention balanced scoring, strong defense and goaltending, the Witches appear poised to end that long drought.
Eight different players have scored goals thus far for Salem, led by seniors Jillian Robinson (9 goals), Louiginna Rijo (8), and captain Grace Bennett (5).
Felton, a returning Northeastern Conference all-star and captain, anchors the defense at right back along with center midfielder Julia Gauthier (who also has three goals). Cara Buckley, another NEC all-star and captain, is rock solid in goal.
The girls are very close both on and off the field. Gosselin scheduled a practice last Sunday morning, and afterward they all went to breakfast.
"We were always connected, but there is so much team bonding this year. And we're not goofing around; this is our senior year and we're taking it very seriously," said Buckley, who is planning to go to the Naval Academy or University of Delaware. She also plays indoor track and softball at Salem High.
"Our defense is amazing, and (sweeper) Monique MacArthur has made some big saves when I couldn't get there. Even the forwards come back to help mark people."
Bennett believes the Witches are off to such a great start because everybody is contributing. With so many people figuring in the offense, it's hard for opposing teams to pay extra attention to any one player.
"Our balance is amazing. In the past couple of years teams could watch such-and-such a number (i.e., a certain offensive player) to try to shut our offense down. But (this season) we're all scoring - even our midfielders — so (opponents) can't concentrate on any one player," said Bennett, who also runs track. "We are able to cut through faults and get it in the goal.
"And what makes a big difference is the support we're getting from our peers, teachers, parents, grandparents, and former players. Even other (Salem High) teams come to our games when their practices end. It was great to see the volleyball team cheering us on at our last game."
Other key starters for the Witches are midfielder Maggy Duffy, forward Madeleine Lutts (3 goals), left back Kerrie Vasquez and junior Rachel Channen.
Gosselin said every player in the starting lineup is very strong. "There is not much drop when the subs come in," said Gauthier. "Our backfield is so fast - even the people off the bench.
"I think missing out by a game last year was a great motivator and kept us going. Lots of girls went to camps last summer, and our coach is really good because she knows what she's doing. She works just as hard with our juniors and sophomores to make sure the team will stay strong once all the seniors leave."
