Youthful Lady Bulldogs face key N-O opener

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading Barker into the up coming Niagara-Orleans League field hockey season will be this group of veterans. In front are Kaylee Stoll, Hailey Dodge and Madelina Pavlock. In back are Madilyn Detschner, Elizabeth Samson, Ella Taylor and Adeline Atwater.

The accent is on youth for the Barker varsity field hockey squad which faces a challenging Niagara-Orleans League season opener at defending champion Akron on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Senior Madilyn Detschner (Defense) and junior Madelina Pavlock (Attack/Midfield), who both earned first team N-O All-League honors, and junior Kaylee Stoll (Defense), who was an Honorable Mention selection, head the Lady Bulldogs veteran group which includes only three seniors.

The Lady Bulldogs returning regulars also include seniors Elizabeth Samson (Defense) and Ella Taylor (Attack) along with junior Hailey Dodge (Midfield) as freshman Adeline Atwater looks to handle the goaltending duties.

“We’re still young,” said Coach Karin Menz. “We have a lot of young players so our focus is on developing out skills. Improving our skill level will be key especially going on turf.”

Barker’s graduation losses included second team N-O All-League honorees Macie May (Attack/Midfield) and Addison Szafranski (Midfield) along with Rachel Sutter (Attack) and Cole Carnes (Attack).

Barker finished in a tie for second place with Medina at 9-3 last fall behind undefeated (12-0) Akron. Over the past two decades either Akron or Barker has won or shared the N-O title.

Akron is led by a group of seven players who earned spots on the N-O All-League squad. They include first team honorees juniors Marissa Brege and Morgan Tomporowski, second team selections seniors Ava Fox and Julia Klodzinski and sophomore Madigan Regan and Honorable Mention picks sophomores Madison Gates and Alexis Salmon.