Another year, another round of changes for Battlefield’s Field Hockey team. The last three seasons have seen three different coaching staffs. In addition to new coaches, the team has many new players of all grade levels. If the intense level of conditioning and strong performance at the team’s first scrimmage is any indication, this will be a great season for the Lady Bobcats.

Amber Walker is the new head and Varsity coach. She has previously coached for Fauquier High School as their Junior Varsity coach and Osbourn High School as their Varsity coach. Coach Walker played field hockey at Shenandoah University. Bill Willis is to be the new assistant and Junior Varsity coach. He is a level two U.S.A. Field Hockey coach and played competitive hardball roller hockey. Also playing a big leadership role this year are the Varsity captains, Grace Cutsinger and Mary Riley. Grace, a senior here at Battlefield, says, “My goals this season as captain is for our team to win conference and to have everyone score at least one goal. I look forward to playing, and beating, Patriot this season and having a fun final season with my teammates!”

Both coaches stress the importance of conditioning. A typical practice might include bleacher runs, 100 yard sprint repeats, or a 20 minute sprint and jog combination. In addition to conditioning, practices usually consist of scrimmaging, passing drills, and offensive and defensive techniques. Kathleen Dwyer, a junior at BHS and a Varsity goalie on the team, says, “By being on the team, it is a great opportunity to condition and play a competitive sport while meeting new people from different grade levels.”

Coming off of a 10-5 season, this year’s team is in high hopes. Rachel Bartheld, a junior and midfielder, says, “I am looking forward to a successful season and improving my skills.” Be sure to root on the Lady Bobcats as they enter this year’s season.

Here is the schedule for the Battlefield’s VFH team this year:

Away 8/30/17 7:00 PM @Colgan

Away 9/11/17 7:00 PM @Woodbridge

Home 9/14/17 7:00 PM vs Osbourn

Away 9/19/17 4:15 PM @Osbourn Park

Away 9/21/17 7:00 PM @Patriot

Home 9/25/17 7:00 PM vs Hylton

Home 9/26/17 7:00 PM vs Stonewall Jackson

Home 9/29/17 7:00 PM vs Forest Park

Away 10/03/17 7:00 PM @Osbourn

Home 10/05/17 7:00 PM vs Osbourn Park

Home 10/10/17 7:00 PM vs Patriot

Away 10/12/17 7:00 PM @Stonewall Jackson