By Jesse Kucewicz, Contributing Writer
(Photo/Jesse Kucewicz)
HUDSON – The Hudson Hawks Field Hockey team is seeking additional players as Head Coach Jen Wallingford has extended the team’s registration deadline to Sept. 3.
After a 2020 season featuring modified seven-versus-seven games, the Hudson Hawks Field Hockey team marked a return to normalcy Aug. 27, with an 11-versus-11 scrimmage against Tantasqua.
Both teams played unofficial varsity squads for the first half before junior varsity players took the field for seven-versus-seven second-half play. As the regular season gets set to return to normal rules, this year, Hudson has struggled to keep a full squad for both varsity and JV teams.
Varsity field hockey coach Jen Wallingford is continuing her efforts to grow the team, though, and remained optimistic about the team’s season after their scrimmage.
“The first half, we played without a sub, I didn’t have to think about subbing while I was watching that half so, yes, our numbers are pretty low,” Wallingford said. “Hudson is going to have a challenging season because of numbers, but I think I have a great little group.”
Wallingford said she is inviting prospective players to sign up, regardless of their experience in the sport.
“We are extending our registration because we do want more people,” Wallingford said. “There’s not a lot of youth programs out there, so I am, and I think a lot of field hockey coaches are, used to teaching kids the game from the start.”
Hudson starts its season in a newly realigned league, where they will see new competition from previous years.
Wallingford said she feels that the realignment puts Hudson in a position to be more competitive. That being said, she is hoping that the size of her team won’t hinder their success.
Hudson’s next home game will be against Littleton on Thursday, Sept. 9, in a non-league matchup. The Hawks will then begin league play at home on Friday, Sept. 17, against Narragansett Regional.
