Team hits field in HWIAC semifinal Thursday

By Laura Lennie, News Staff

Saltfleet District High School girls field hockey team’s motto so far this season has been “Have fun.”

Head coach Kristina Alderdice says the team is maintaining that attitude going into the Hamilton-Wentworth Interscholastic Athletic Council (HWIAC) division one semifinals Thursday.

“I think for us to remain successful, we need to keep having fun and working hard,” she said. “You don’t fix what’s not broken.”

Saltfleet is enjoying its best season.

The team occupied first place and was sporting a 6-2 record – including four overtime wins and one overtime loss – heading into its game against second-place Hill Park on Tuesday at Billy Sherring Park. Results were unavailable at press deadline.

Alderdice said she’s been pleasantly “surprised” by Saltfleet’s success thus far.

“I was looking to just field a team and it’s been the most successful season ever,” she said.

“The team’s success has been ‘ignorance is bliss.’ It’s a team of many new faces who have never played before, but are athletic and have been picking up the game quickly,” said Alderdice.

Saltfleet finished 2-7 last season.

“It’s been difficult to cultivate a field hockey culture (at the school),” Alderdice said. “A lot of the team is made up of Grade 10s or 11s who are brave enough to try out, but you lose them too soon. Luckily, girls are recruited in my physical education classes, like our Grade 11 goalie.”

Alderdice said she has one hope for the team as it continues its run for its first HWIAC championship.

“My hope is for the team to remain healthy – no injuries and no sickness,” she said. “But more importantly, I just want the girls to go out there on the field and have fun.”

Saltfleet District High School’s girls field hockey team will battle the division’s fourth or third-place team in the HWIAC Division 1 semifinal Thursday based on Tuesday’s results.

For an up-to-date schedule, visit www.hwdsb.on.ca/athletics.