The battles atop Division II field hockey are poised to continue this upcoming fall season. John Stark, the runner-up in 2024, and Bow, the runner-up in 2025, will both look to exact revenge and come out on top.
Both programs have been consistently good and are returning cores that have reached the final four every varsity season in which they’ve competed.
The Falcons, led by coach Sarah Vaughn, lost to a powerful Souhegan team in the finals last season, 2-1. That Sabers team will be the one to beat this year, as it only graduated two seniors and is returning standout all-state first-team players in Mariellah and Oriannah Dart.
Similarly, Bow is returning a powerful foundation composed of all-state players Peyton Vaughn, Madelyn Hebert, Kaylee and Elise Jacques, Ainsley Herrick and senior goalie Aubrey Merrill.
Stark graduated co-offensive player of the year Caylin Worthen and will have to find a way to replace her production up top. Elsewhere, the midfield and defense should return with experience to bolster a new-look offense.
Concord
Division: I.
Coach: Nicole Armaganian (fifth year).
Last year: 7-8-3, reached quarterfinals.
Returning starters: Emma Barry, jr., A; Sydney Brown, sr., A; Ella Chrabolowoski, jr., D; Madison Duffy, sr., D; Katelyn Fennelly, sr., D; Brooke Nelson, sr., G; Natalie Pochopin, sr., A; Elizabeth Thompson, sr., A.
Top newcomers: Elizabeth Noel, fr.; Julianna Scheffer, fr.; Maryanne Wood, fr.
Outlook: “We graduated some impactful players and have important positions to fill on each of our lines-forwards, midfielders and backs. I am grateful that Brooke Nelson will be returning as our varsity goalie. Brooke is also our captain this season and is a great leader, both on and off the field.
“Although we are lucky to have returning players, many of those players will not be returning to their previous positions. This can be challenging for a player, so I do recognize that it will be a top priority for me to build confidence and help my players gain knowledge of the overall game. My concentration this season will be coaching more about the ‘technical’ pieces of the game.” — Armaganian
Bow
Division: II.
Coach: Sarah Vaughn (fourth year).
Last year: 15-2-2, D-II runner-up.
Returning starters: Kaylee Jacques, sr., M; Aubrey Merrill, sr., G; Peyton Vaughn, jr., M; Madelyn Hebert , sr., D; Shire Kelley, sr., F; Gianna Trott, sr., F; Vera Virta, sr., D; Cadence Malone, sr., D, Ainsley Herrick, so., A; Elise Jacques, jr., M.
Top newcomers: Willow Berube, fr., M.
Outlook: “After coming up short in the championship, the team is motivated to take the next step this season. We lost one dominant senior, but we have a talented group of newcomers who bring a lot of potential. With a large and experienced senior class leading the way, we have a strong foundation heading into the season. Our biggest focus will be staying consistent and finishing strong when it matters most.” — Vaughn
John Stark
Division: II.
Coach: Cassidy Toms (third year).
Last year: 14-2-2, reached semifinals.
Returning starters: Maxine Lundeen, sr., M; Addison DeCew, sr., M; Stella Oullette, so., D; Karrington Telgen, sr., M; Rowin Ledy, sr., G.
Top newcomers: Lyla Raymond, jr., A; Megan Antognoni, so., A; Aberdeen Demers-Younie, so., A.
Outlook: Team goals are skill work and conditioning. Younger squad and will continue to work on connecting together. Score off corners and continue to not allow many goals in this season.” — Toms
Teams to beat: Souhegan and Bow.
Merrimack Valley
Division: II.
Coach: Jen Colgan (ninth year).
Last year: 8-8-1, reached prelims.
Returning starters: Audrey Cole, sr., A; Morgan Brechtel, jr., D; Marissa Kimball, jr., A; Josie Dougherty, jr., G; Hannah Dubuc, so., M; Alayna Weddall, so., A.
Outlook: “Overall, we are a very young group who will be adjusting to the physicality and the pace of play at the varsity level. This group loves the sport and is dedicated to getting better everyday with a positive attitude and high work rate.” — Colgan
Pembroke
Division: II.
Coach: Ashley Gladu (first year).
Last year: 5-11, missed tournament.
Returning starters: Riley Caron, sr., M/A; Avery Kelly, sr., M/A; Stellah Fredyma, sr., D/M; Bailey Reynolds, sr., D/M; Julia Emond, sr., D; Anne Phillips, sr., M; Daphne Morris, so., G; Isla Mailhot, so. A/M; Caitlin Casey, jr., M/D.
Top newcomers: Morgan Davidson, fr., A; Tori Lepage, so., M/D.
Outlook: “We lost seven starters from last year’s roster. We have a balance of younger and older girls, and as a team we will look to continuously develop our skill set throughout the season and we hope to make games tough on our opponents.” – Gladu
Teams to beat: Bow, Souhegan, Derryfield, Kingswood.
Hopkinton
Division: III.
Coach: Kate Hohenberger (ninth year).
Last year: 14-2-1, reached semifinals.
Returning starters: Ryan Barrett, sr., M; Autumn Meier, sr., A; Mary Maughan, sr., D; Lauren Vetter, sr., M; Aurelia Salce, sr., F; Gigi Upton, jr., M/A; Dahlia Perry, jr., A; Sadie Pelletier, jr., D; Carlie Leino, so., A; Sophia Swett, so., A; Alyson Doffing, so., M; Evelyn Read, so., G.
Outlook: “We are looking to have a winning season and return to the final four. This year’s team is strong, and the girls work very well together. They enjoy being with each other, and this is is going to help us have a successful season.” – Hohenberger
Teams to beat: Berlin.
Kearsarge
Division: III.
Coach: Chelsea Williams (eighth year).
Last year: 7-8-1, reached quarterfinals.
Returning starters: Reagan Billado, jr., D; Ryley Grace, sr., A; Payton MacMichael, jr., M; Adella Monnat, jr., M; Aval Nolan-Waddell, sr., D; Leah Reeve, sr., D; Stella Syversten, sr., M; Bella Valle, sr., A.
Top newcomers: Laurell Xenakis, fr., A.
Outlook: “We are a mature team this year, with the new energy and skills of our incoming freshmen adding strength exactly where we need it. We’re excited to work hard, build on our strengths, and see just how far this team can go.” – Williams
Teams to beat: Gilford and Berlin.