A Successful Mahopac Field Hockey Season Comes to an End

MAHOPAC, N.Y.—Ninth-seed Mahopac ended its season with a tough loss at No. 8 Pelham on Friday (Oct. 25) in the first round of the playoffs to finish a strong 9-6-1.

Kayleigh Pontillo and Erin Harney scored for Mahopac, with assists coming from Anastasia Villani and Sophia Perillo. Goalkeeper Talia Salon made 3 saves. Pelham’s Hannah Kindig, Lucy Cole, and Maggie Memoli scored for the hosts, assisted by Lark Martin and Taylor Green. Goalkeeper Josie Kagan had 4 saves.

“This game was a very even back-and-forth battle,” coach Jess Ascencao said. “The entire season, Pac field hockey has never held back and has never quit, and this game was no different, as they fought to the very last second. I am very proud of every member of this team and all that we have accomplished this season.”

Ascencao highlighted the contribution of the team’s four seniors: Erin Harney, Angelina Russo, Talia Salon, and Madison Wyman.

“Each of our seniors contributed to our team in major ways,” the coach said. “We had so much growth and improvement this past season and each of them was a big part of making this happen.”

The Wolf Pac closed out its regular season with its most decisive win of the year—a 10-goal shutout over Ossining.

Harney (4G, 1A), Pontillo (3G, 1A), Gabriella Bartholdi (1G), Anastasia Villani (1G, 1A), and Angelina Russo (1G, 2A) led the attack. Salon only had to make one save, which Ossining goalie Bella Gil made 12.

“This was an incredibly offensive game where we had a lot of great shots and were able to get creative on corners,” Ascencao said. “It was an awesome way to head into playoffs, with everyone contributing.”

Senior midfielder Harney finished the season as Mahopac’s top scorer with 12 goals and eight assists. Sophomore forward Pontillo was close behind with 11 goals and three assists. Junior midfielder Villani had four goals and six assists. Senior Salon made 112 saves, for a 91 percent save rate for the season.

While the loss of key contributors to graduation will hurt, Ascencao sees a lot of potential for next year.

“While we are losing four key senior starters next season, I think we will be in good shape for next year,” Ascencao said. “We have made huge progress on our passing game and made offensive adjustments that allowed each of our forwards and midfielders to find the back of the goal a lot more than last year. Our second leading scorer is currently a sophomore, and we have a large junior class which will give us strength and experience across the field.

“I expect Anastasia Villani, Sophia Perillo, Gabriella Bartholdi, and Grace Gaine will each lead our team in major ways as seniors next season,” the coach added.