Led by senior captains Payton Altman, Jena Myers, and Kylie Glinsky, the Hillsborough High School field hockey team is looking to grow and improve this season. Coming off of a 5-14-2 record last year, the team hopes to win a few more games and even go above .500. 

“My expectations for the season are for the team to be more competitive than in seasons past,” head coach Jenn Puritz said. “We have a talented and experienced group of girls who have the potential to give our toughest opponents a run for their money.”

With competitive teams like Pingry, Ridge, and Hunterdon Central, the team needs to bring their best efforts day in and day out.

In addition to the returning talent, the team also has a bright future ahead as they have a few underclassmen joining the varsity roster. With freshmen Michelle Frudge, Lauren Flynn, Maddie Kidd, Kerri O’Donnel, and sophomore Haley Bianchnio, the team has a solid foundation for the upcoming years.

“I think our entire freshman group will make a big impact on the field hockey program over the next 4 years,” Puritz said. “They are a hardworking and determined bunch who are bringing a lot of talent to the team.”

The underclassmen, along with the returning varsity members, look to play well together to have a good season. 

The team picked up its first win of the season over Somerville last Saturday. The final score was 2-1, with goals from seniors Altman and Katie Kozimbo. 

“It was a memorable and great team win,” Altman said. “We came together and played well with each other for the first time this year. I was really happy with my goal too, I got a great pass to the middle circle and was able to put it in the net. We are really excited for the rest of the season.” 

Altman is heading to Dartmouth University next year to continue her academic and field hockey career. She is a team player and a huge asset for the Raiders to be successful this year. The team has high hopes for the rest of the season as they look to make a deep run in the county and state tournaments. 

After an important 1-0 victory over Pingry on Thursday, the team continues its season 12:30 p.m. on Saturday against visiting Ridge.