By Jim Lockwood
Staff Writer

Manchester Memorial’s Brigit Quirk (left) and Goffstown’s Lauren Gifford battle for possession of a ground ball during the Grizzlies’ victory at McLaughlin Middle School on Friday, Sept. 2. Last year, GHS handed the Queen City club a lopsided loss, but in this match, Memorial was much more competitive in the 3-0 decision. (Jim Lockwood Photo)

GOFFSTOWN – The basis of Goffstown High School’s field hockey program is best said in its slogan, “Better together.”

Goffstown’s coaches and players realize the varsity and junior varsity squads must coexist for the Grizzlies to become – and remain – an outstanding Class L program.

“(The junior varsity) is a feeder program,” said Goffstown’s varsity head coach, Jessica Brown. “You have one team this year and a new team next year. Instead of seeing it as two teams, we are a program. We want to point that out.”

Creating harmony between the Grizzlies’ varsity and junior varsity squads begins at practice, Brown said, where the two teams often run and stretch together prior to each workout.

In a recent practice session, varsity and JV players went through circuit training together. Small groups of players from both teams cycled through various stations aimed at improving endurance.

The players had two minutes each at stations dedicated to push-ups, sit-ups, jump roping, hand-and-eye coordination drills and leg-muscle drills.

“When we talked in groups I got to know the JV kids better,” said junior defensive back Laurie Politz. “It was a good idea all around.”

According to Brown, this system benefits the entire program because it eliminates the opportunity for divisions between the two clubs to form.

It benefits the varsity team, Brown added, because the older girls hone their leadership skills.

Meanwhile, the junior varsity athletes are challenged by older players and witness firsthand what it takes to become a winning program at the varsity level. The JV players then mimic that behavior.

And there are plenty of great habits for Goffstown’s younger athletes to see.

Last year, the Grizzlies advanced to the Class L semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Concord.

In the quarterfinals, the Grizzlies beat Timberlane after two prior postseason matchups had ended in frustration.

Highlights of Goffstown’s ’04 regular season included come-from-behind wins against Concord and Timberlane.

This season, depth should prove to be an asset, according to Brown. She doesn’t have to rely on a few key players to carry the club. Instead, the head coach knows all her players can provide quality minutes.

The ’05 roster includes Goffstown’s Meighan Cassin, Katie Chase, Kylie Connolly, Brittany dePinquertaine, Heather Emerson, Nicole Gibeault, Kaitlyn Gibson, Lauren Gifford, Alise Greenfield, Kaye Kenney, Kaitlin Koffink and Laurie Politz; New Boston’s Jessie Eithier, Kira Murphy and Sarah Smith; plus Dunbarton’s Lorenna Bouroncle.

“I really can’t put a finger on any one thing we need to build on,” Politz said. “I don’t think there’s any one area we need to improve. There’s always room for improvement.”