Lady Raiders prepping to defend N-O field hockey title

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran senior members of Barker’s defending champion varsity field hockey team include, in front, Emma Duffy, Kelsie Engert, Rebecca Stolosk and Courtney Bodine. In back are Paige Fudella, Erin Greenwald, Madison Greenwald, Caitlyn Mason, Erika Moeller and Amber Schafer.

Looking to extend a decade long reign, Barker is prepping to defend its Niagara-Orleans League field hockey title led by a large group of 10 returning seniors.

The Lady Raiders large veteran senior contingent includes Caitlyn Mason (goalie/midfield), Emma Duffy (attack), Erin Greenwald (attack), Madison Greenwald (midfield/defense), Erika Moeller (midfield/defense), Amber Schafer (defense), Courtney Bodine (goalie/defense), Rebecca Stoloski (attack), Kelsie Engert (midfield/defense) and Paige Fudella (defense).

Mason earned first team N-O All-League honors while Erin and Madison Greenwald were both second team selections. Duffy, Engert and Stoloski all received All-League honorable mention.

Junior Lydia Dewart (attack) also returns with varsity experience for the Lady Raiders whose roster also includes juniors Grace Weller (midfield/defense) and Emily Annable (attack) along with sophomores Sarah Mason (defense) and Natalie Menz (attack) and freshman Katrina Clare (attack).

The Lady Raiders big losses to graduation were their top two scorers, first team N-O All-League honorees Gabby Clare and Melissa Grosshans.

“We did lose our top two scorers so we’re going so we’re looking for a lot of goal production from a lot of different players but we do have a lot of experience,” said Coach Jeff Costello. “They are all hard workers and we are asking some of them to play multiple spots. The key will be scoring but its a new season and new opportunities.”

The nine time defending champion Barker begins its N-O title defense at home on September 1 against Kenmore. The Lady Raiders went 12-0 in N-O competition last fall.

Barker’s Schedule

Sept. 1 – Kenmore, 5 p.m.
Sept. 8 – Roy-Hart, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 10 – at Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 15 – Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 17 – at Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 21 – at Nichols, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 22 – at Medina, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 24 – at Kenmore, 4:45 p.m.
Sept. 25 – at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 and 3 – at Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Oct. 6 – Wilson, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 8 – at Newfane, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 13 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.
Oct. 15 – Medina, 4:45 p.m.