BY VIN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer

After another impressive regular season - one that included a 13-0-1 mark and a Class B North crown - for the Ocean Township girls field hockey team, the Spartans are looking to take it one step further this season in the postseason.

"I'd like to see this team win a big championship," said head coach Donna DeNoble. "We have all the tools. This may be the best team I've had."

And that's saying a lot, given the success DeNoble has enjoyed during her 14-year tenure at Ocean.

This senior-laden team was one game away last season from winning the Shore Conference Tournament, coming up short in double overtime - something that DeNoble and her team did not forget.

"This team has played together for a long time, they have a lot of camaraderie and a good chemistry," said DeNoble. "This is their year. They really want it."

The team, which has only allowed two goals and 42 shots on net for the season, is solid all around. DeNoble attributes much of the teams success to its ability to attack.

Starting the attack at midfield for the team are seniors Corinne Raczek and Norah Bosmans and junior Joelle Bagley.

"They've had a really strong year," said the coach. "They really know each other and have the ability to pass well. Other teams have had a tough time getting through our midfield."

Attacking for the team are seniors Colleen Meseroll and Katie Trebino, and juniors Kathleen Rodziewicz, Jenna Galatro and Jenn Schoch.

In addition, the offense will be getting a boost for the postseason with the return of senior captain Becky Rant, who has been out since the preseason with an injury.

"The offense has the ability to read other teams D," said DeNoble. "They pass well and realize the game is about finesse."

Defensively the Spartans are led by seniors goaltender Erin Conway, defenders Leah Burns, Adele Glaser and Maggy Kervick.

"All of our defenders have had a great season," said the coach.

With such a successful season in the works, DeNoble wants to keep her team motivated and focused on the prize. She's well aware that being the number one seed in the Shore Conference Tournament and a likely number one seeded team in the state tournament will make the Spartans the team to beat.

"Being undefeated, we don't want to get caught off guard," said DeNoble. "We have to continue to prepare and play hard."

The Spartans squared off yesterday against 16th-seeded Jackson in the first round of the Shore Conference Tournament, which began on Saturday and will resume this week. Jackson earned its shot at Ocean via a 2-1 win over Henry Hudson on Saturday in the preliminary round.

Perennial power Shore Regional is the third seed, and faced Toms River North yesterday, while Rumson-Fair Haven and Red Bank Catholic are seeded 10th and 12th, respectively.

Yesterday was also the cutoff for the state tournament, with teams needing to have at least a .500 record or better to qualify. The tournament will get underway on Oct. 27 and will feature, for the first time, a Tournament of Champions at its conclusion. The overall TOC final is set for Nov. 19.

The same four local teams will be in action in the state tournament.