By Andy Loigu

After winning the Skyland Conference and Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex championships and section playoff title in North Jersey 2 Group 3, the Warren Hills Blue Streaks’ field hockey train was 23-1 after winning the group semifinal and rolling to Burlington for the state championship game on Saturday, Nov. 9.

However, they were derailed by a strong defense.

First-time champion Clearview from Gloucester County, defeated Warren Hills 2-1 for the group title and denied Warren Hills a berth in the Tournament of Champions.

Now 21-2-1, the Clearview team held the Streaks to a scoreless tie in the first half. Gaining confidence as the game went on, the underdogs from South Jersey outscored Warren Hills in the second half as the offenses opened things up.

Jenna Wyckoff scored the only goal for the Streaks. It was her third goal in the team’s last three games.

Warren Hills became a state finalist on Nov. 5 in Clark (Union County) with a 3-0 shutout of Middletown South, the North 1 champs, who finished 18-3-1.

Warren Hills forward Simryn Desai broke the ice with a goal eight minutes into the game. It was her 20th goal of the season. Wyckoff scored two minutes later and the Blue Streaks’ defense made sure the lead held, with a stifling shutout.

“I have the utmost confidence in my defensive unit,” third-year Warren Hills coach Josie Potter remarked following the impressive semifinal win. “Their chemistry back there, how they have learned to coordinate their coverages and work together, is top notch.”

Like a basketball team with an aggressive press, the defense fueled the Warren Hills offense this season, with many counter attack goals as several girls slung the ball into the cage in fast breaking action. It was a stark contrast to past Warren Hills teams which were more deliberate on offense and worked patterned plays to set up a featured scorer for shots. It was in keeping with Major League Baseball’s promotional campaign of ‘we play loud.’

The tradition is great, but now the style is faster, more athletic, and more daring.

Warren Hills has been like the Yankees of the 1950s and early 60s, making visits to the state final almost an annual occasion over the past two decades, carrying on the tradition through two coaching changes.

Another Winning Season For Tiger Soccer

The Hackettstown boys soccer team also carried on the winning tradition it established as one millennia transitioned into another.

The Tigers finished 15-5-1 this year. Lyndhurst (Bergen County) eliminated them in the North 2 Group 2 semifinal by a 2-1 score. Lyndhurst moved on to the next bracket with a 16-3 record.

Mike Medik scored the lone Hackettstown goal, assisted by Dom Emilia.
This time next year, both of these teams are likely to be knocking on that state championship door once again.

….Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.