By Matt Stewart

Sustaining a winning program  isn’t an easy task, but the Lunenburg High field hockey team makes it look easy. Despite losing an extremely talented core of seniors from last year, the 2011 Blue Knights look to be one of the top competitors in Mid-Wach C .

    “I lost eight of my seniors last year, which is half of my varsity squad,” said Lunenburg coach Emily Marsden, who is in her fifth season as ahead coach, said. “We have four captains and four returning varsity players. Lunenburg has traditionally done well in field hockey, and have made it to the districts, every year that I’ve been coaching. A goal  we have is to stay focused, in our district play, which we did have trouble with last year.”

    Lunenburg last year posted a 13-3-2 record, which earned the Blue and White a sixth seed in the Division II District tournament. Quaboag, the 11th seeded team, upended the Blue Knights in the first round in Lunenburg, leaving a sour taste.

    Leading the offensive attack in 2011 will be senior captains Brittany Carlson and Elizabeth Broden, who will play a pivotal role in guiding the offense.

    “We run a lot of different formations on the field depending on whether we’re leading and the style of the opposing team,” Marsden said.

     “The two of them are critical in helping the younger players understand which formation we’re in, who should be going to goal, who’s supportive, and who’s in the middle of the field. They really help to orchestrate our push to goal.”

    Captains, Olivia Arciprete and Amanda Carpenter, will be key components of the Lunenburg defense as they will provide leadership and direction for the Blue Knight defensive.

    “Arciprete and Carpenter really do run the defense,” Marsden said. “They are strong players, both with their athletic ability, and in their individual play.   I think of them as little mini coaches.   They  keep things organized. [Arciprete] is extremely fast;  she  takes control of the field. [Carpenter] has wonderful insight into how the offense is working towards goal, and she’s going to be critical this year and helping the goal-keepers.”

    Goalkeeper Makenzie Flagg graduated and will likely be the starting goalie for Rivier College this fall. Flagg only allowed six goals all season last year. Sophomore Rachel McPherson and freshman Rachele Spadafore will try to fill Flagg’s shoes.

    “They’re both really hungry and  do everything they can to learn so they can get as much play time in goal as they can,” Marsden said. “[McPherson] did the jamboree because [Spadafore] was unable. I’ve only see [McPherson] play in a game situation and she did awesome. I was really impressed with her level of play in the jamboree. I’ve never seen Spadafore play in a game, but she’s very quick; she’s a little taller and fast, I would never had brought her up to varsity as a freshman if I didn’t see wonderful potential.”

    Possibly the most critical player in the middle of the field will be Brittany Cullinane, who has been a main contributor since her freshman season.

    “[Cullinane] can play anywhere;she’s just fantastic,” Marsden said. “She helps to run the middle of the field.”

    Melissa Glow returns for her senior season after an injury plagued junior year.  Nicole Fors, a seasoned defensive player will try to make an impact, and Raquel Mantino is a freshman who will play  in a critical offensive role Coach Marsden has been impressed with  her ability.

    Other notable offensive players include  Sarah Berry, Chrissy Curran, and Brogan Ulf. Rounding out the remaining key defensive and mid-field players are Natalie LaPointe, Kady Masaitis, Jennifer Moriarty, and Alyssa Wyson.

    Al;though the 17 person roster  is relatively small,  Marsden stresses that all varsity players can compete at a high level, and that substitutes play multiple positions.

    Mid-Wach C, Lunenburg’s conference, will add Tyngsboro from eastern Massachusetts plus Hudson, Groton-Dunstable, and rival Narragansett.

    Lunenburg  has one of the toughest schedules as  The Blue Knights play division 1 foes Algonquin Regional and North Middlesex.

      “My girls are going to have to work really, really hard this year to make districts because we’re playing large schools” Marsden concluded.

    Melody Cringan has been the team’s assistant coach for the past three years, and is  important  in the team’s success. The Blue Knights next game in Monday at home against a difficult Quabbin Regional squad at 4 p.m.