TAYLOR MADE: SHEDDING THE RODNEY DANGERFIELD IMAGE (2019-09-25)

I've covered a lot of field hockey and I'm still not sure I understand it, but there is one thing I do know (aside from the fact there are far too many whistles) — it is the Rodney Dangerfield ("I get no respect") of high school sports.

If it weren't for a pair of state champions —  Whitney Point, the only athletic program in Section IV to win five state championships, or Maine-Endwell, which came into the season ranked No. 9 nationally by maxfieldhockey.com — field hockey would probably get very little coverage from the area's mainstream media. 

Even though Tioga County may not have a WP or an M-E, it stills boasts a couple of solid sectional contenders this season. 

Newark Valley (5-1) and SVEC (4-3) are playing well right now. Both have won four consecutive games and are battling for Division 3 supremacy and bragging rights as the second best team in Class C (nobody from this area is going to touch the Point).

If you can get past the whistles and the excuse that's it's boring (only because you don't understand it), it's often a fast-paced and exciting sport. And let me tell you, it can get a little physical at times as well. 

There are several top-notch players from the local area to watch this season. Among them are returning All-Tioga County all-stars Marissa Berghorn, Cassidy Hoffmier and Sarah Mertson from Newark Valley, SVEC's Ryleigh Clark, Andrea Douglas and Cora Sousa, and Olivia Ayers and Kim Tarbox of Tioga.

Unfortunately, due to back issues, the 2018 Tioga County Sports Report Field Hockey Player of the Year, NV goalie Alison Wales, did not return this season.

While Owego has no returning all-stars, Megan Holloway did take her game to the next level, joining former Indian goalie Morgan Dueber at Morrisville. S-VE grads Kelsey Pierce (William Smith) and Olivia Douglas (Brockport) are playing at the college level as well. Former Tioga standout  Kari Walkley went on to see a lot of playing time at Wake Forest, and former Tioga and SUNY Cortland standout Dani Barto is coaching modified at Sidney.

Regardless of team success, and / or players excelling at the next level, it will still take the coaches, players, fans — and media — to give the sport the respect it deserves.