BHS Field Hockey Team Eyes 2nd Straight Playoff Berth

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Bellingham’s field hockey team is aiming for a second straight state tourney berth this season.

Last year, coach Jen Ryan’s Blackhawks snapped a 13-year playoff drought. Posting a regular season record of 5-12-1 earned them an invitation based on a new tourney format that gives weight to strength of schedule and margin of losses. Ryan capably led her squad against teams in the challenging Tri Valley League, qualified for the tourney, then lost in the first round, 5-1, to Cohasset.

Seven players from last year’s contingent have returned with varying degrees of experience, and they also possess other key attributes for success.

“We’ll rely on experience, but the girls are coachable, dedicated and committed to the program,’’ said Ryan, who’s in her fourth year at the helm. “They worked all summer at camps, in summer leagues, on club teams and at strength and conditioning sessions. They’ve improved their techniques, and our team chemistry is a plus.’’

The 28-year-old Ryan emphasized her goals for the new season when practice began late in August, and it wasn’t surprising that a return engagement to the tourney was her top priority.

“A second straight tourney appearance topped the list,’’ Ryan said. “That objective is realistic because the girls are committed and driven to achieve it. Other goals include being competitive against every opponent and improving daily whether it’s in games or practice.’’

At The Bulletin’s deadline, the Blackhawks were off to a slow start, beating Blackstone-Millville and losing to Hopedale, Dover-Sherborn and Medway.

Bellingham’s senior captains — center forward Kylie Walden and center back Callie Goulet — are top-notch leaders, and they’re also talented. 

“Both Kylie and Callie lead by example, and they’re also caring role models who support their teammates,’’ Ryan said. “Kylie is passionate about the game, has solid stick skills, a high field hockey IQ, and speed and quickness. Callie is our saving grace on defense. She can be counted on for a strong defensive effort. She communicates well and is calm and composed.’’

Two other effective seniors are defenders Bridget O’Brien and Maddy Ferreira. “Bridget is a four-year starter, a strong tackler, instinctive, clears well and has good field awareness,’’ Ryan said. “Maddy is intense, always hustling. A two-year veteran, she’s quick and very capable at making key stops.’’

Two juniors who’ll be counted on are midfielder Nina Ames and defender Olivia Holbrook.

“Nina’s speed makes her the fastest player on our team,’’ Ryan emphasized. “She’s extremely coachable, excellent in transition, she can pass and is able to force opponents to the outside. Olivia played mostly on the jayvees last year. She can tackle, pass and makes big saves. A fearless defender, she’s improved her skills and generates offense with the midfielders.’’

Three key sophomores who’ll play major roles are midfielders Cassidy Leger and Alyssa Forget and goalie Mallory Berkeley.

“Cassidy is a strong, all-around player, Ryan said. “She’s got good field awareness, knows the game, has phenomenal skills, and is fast and quick. Alyssa is relentless, fast, has good stick skills, is solid in transition, and has very good endurance. Mallory started in goal for us as an eighth-grader. A high-energy player, she’s got strong technique; she’s dependable and coachable and knows how to inspire her teammates.’’

Two other sophomores are capable competitors — forward Sydney Bashford and midfielder Abby Cormier.

“Sydney is a first-year varsity player,’’ Ryan offered. “A club competitor, she’s got good stick skills, can pass, and has a strong shot. She knows how to elude defenders enroute to the net. Abby is versatile, able to play forward if needed. She’s coachable, eager to learn, and has improved her skills.’’

Eighth-grader Molly Cormier will play forward and get playing time. “Molly is small but fierce,’’ Ryan noted. “She’s fast, has the ability to be a scorer, and has improved her stick skills.’’

A native of Bellingham, Ryan’s athletic philosophy stresses reaching one’s potential and having fun competing. “If those two elements are occurring, then winning likely will follow,’’ she said. “I also emphasize the importance of developing passion for their sport and learning valuable life lessons. Those lessons include a strong work ethic, mental toughness, resilience, how to lead and to be a good teammate, and to be vocal.’’

Ryan graduated from BHS in 2012 and played forward, midfield and defense in four seasons of field hockey. She also was a four-year starter at Wheelock College in Boston where she majored in psychology. A captain as a junior and senior, she was a NECC and an ECAC all-star as a defender, and she set a school record for defensive saves in a game. Ryan works at BHS as an ABA (applied behavior analysis) tech in special needs.

Julianne Kilduff, a BHS graduate in 2015, is in her second year as Ryan’s jayvee coach. “She’s doing a fantastic job, and we work very well together,’’ Ryan said.

That’s obvious, because the tandem, along with their players, ended a playoff drought that lasted 13 years.