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SECTION IV FIELD HOCKEY: DEFENSE, EXPERIENCE SHOULD MAKE NEWARK VALLEY COMPETITIVE (10 PHOTOS) (2019-08-23)

BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report 
NEWARK VALLEY — Defense should play a major role in the success of the Newark Valley team this fall. After all, the Cardinals return three Section IV Division 3 all-stars to protect their goal this season.

At the top of the list is goalie Ali Wales and if she carries over last year's standard of excellence, NV will be difficult to score on again. Now a senior, the first-team all-star and All-Tioga County Player of the Year was second in the state in saves (195) and seventh overall in goals against (1.1 per game).

She's bolstered by first-team back Cassidy Hoffmier and second-team back Sarah Mertson, who are also seniors.

At the offensive end, senior first-team forward Marissa Berghorn will play a key role.

Head coach Jessica Doehring likes the dedication and teamwork her charges have shown during the first week of practices.

"The overall atmosphere has been pretty positive for the first week of preseason," she said. "Everyone seems to be excited and ready to go. I hear a lot of encouragement and cheering each other on, which is fantastic."

The Cardinals finished 2018 with a 7-8 overall record and fared well against Tioga County foes, going 4-2. NV swept SVEC and Tioga last year, but couldn't solve Owego. The Indians won both meetings although they were well-contested clashes — winning in a shootout and on a goal in the final 12 seconds.

Valley dropped a few other close games and will be looking to avenge those setbacks with a veteran crew and large roster.

"Our numbers are good," Doehring said. "We had 29 total come out for JV and varsity so we will have two full teams and a lot of depth."

NV graduated just one of its five all-stars, Lauren Gwardyak, so the potential for success is very good.

"The team is very motivated this year and they are setting their goals high," Doehring said.

Newark Valley starts the season Sept. 5 at Windsor.

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PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR

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