24 Section V field hockey players to watch in sectional tournaments

There seems to be few guarantees in sports, but here is one in Section V field hockey.

There are going to be plenty of new faces on the 2023 Democrat and Chronicle All-Greater Rochester Field Hockey Team, since 11 of the 12 of the 2022 all-stars were seniors.

Next up for all of the players in Section V, is to help their teams advance during the sectional tournaments. Postseason play starts October 23:

Attackers

Maya Costanza, Brighton: A junior in her second season as a starter who utilizes her speed with her stick skills to become the team's leading scorer.

Nora Donner, Fairport: Red Raiders benefit when she is a part of the transition to the attacking circle. "Nora outruns every defender, even when carrying the ball, to be able to consistently send a very nice cross into the circle." Fairport coach Theresa Sanna said. Third-year varsity player has at least eight assists.

Eleanor Martins, Pittsford Mendon: Third-year player can make things happen, whether you are talking about needed plays or showing direction to teammates.

Mikayla Mrzywka, Penfield: Two-time Democrat and Chronicle All-Greater Rochester Team member is in her junior year season. Had 16 goals and 7 assists through the team's first 12 games.

Melody Queri, Pittsford Sutherland: A sophomore who produced a team-high 20 goals through 12 games during her second season as a starter.

Frankie Rao, Webster Thomas: A sophomore who gets on the score sheet during her varsity debut season.

Section V field hockey playoff preview: Pittsford teams headline favorites to win it all

Midfielders

Kailey Besio, Irondequoit: Team captain also plays with the team's attackers. This is her second season as a starter.

Taylor Burke, Irondequoit: One of nine sophomores who have convinced Eagles coach Emily Payne that the team is trending upward.

Brooke Cincebox, Pittsford Mendon: Third-year player is a team captain. Gives the same effective and patient effort when it comes time to play defense.

Carmindy Eckler, Fairport: A leader who can transition the ball and play good defense, according to Theresa Sanna, the team's coach.

Sophie Graves, Penfield: Has been on the field a lot for the Patriots, as a fourth-year varsity player, three seasons as a starter. Patriots coach Jillian Esposito said Graves is one of those players who "holds down the midfield" and likes how she sets up plays to advance the ball.

Kirsten Matzky, Pittsford Sutherland: A sophomore who is difficult to defend against because of her stick skills according to two coaches in Section V. The second-year starter had 13 goals by early October.

Vivian Medina, Irondequoit: A sophomore who can also play as a defender during her first varsity season.

Elizabeth Rumble, Pittsford Sutherland: Second year starter is a junior who plays in the center, plays both roles well on both penalty corners and is active all over the field.

Willa Runge, Brighton: One of the team captains has "excellent game awareness and stick skills," according to Bruins coach Keeley Samsonik, who is in her first season as the team's coach but sixth in the program.

Sophia Shortino, Webster Thomas: This senior, second-year varsity player Kristina Fisher and third-year varsity player Addison Andolsek are part of the mix that gives the Titans "speed, passing, goal scoring ....," according to Kyle Smith, the team's coach.

Gretta Spitz, Pittsford Sutherland: A fourth-year varsity member, she is described as "a key player on both offensive and defensive corners," by Kathy LaForce-Hutteman, who is in her 30th season as the team's coach. Another coach in Section V sees a player - in her third season as a starter - who controls the midfield. Another coach calls her a playmaker.

Defenders

Maya Behrend, Brighton: When your play in this area of the field is described as dependable by the team's coach, that is a good thing.

Hailey Benzel, Pittsford Mendon: This is her first varsity season, and so far, so good. "Great stick handler and sees the field very well," Mendon coach Kara Carpenter said.

Taylor Frank, Fairport: Third-year varsity player has a knack for stalling offensive transition for opponents. Said to be the anchor of a defense with a 0.75 goals against average, according to Red Raiders coach Theresa Hanna

Joy Lee, Pittsford Sutherland: A starter on the 2022 Sutherland team, this senior is also described as "a key player on both offensive and defensive corners," by Kathy LaForce-Hutteman, the team's coach.

Abby Robords, Penfield: Senior is a captain. She had two goals on corners through 13 games. Patient, Robards can carry the ball out of the circle. There is field hockey in her future at Allegheny College, a Division III school in western Pennsylvania.

Goalies

Morgan Parrinello, Pittsford Mendon: Agile, third-year starter has allowed two goals so far during her final season.

Maddie Strelick, Webster Thomas: Third season on the varsity, and gives the team's coach zero concerns with her play. "Strong clears and fast in the cage," Penfield coach Jillian Esposito said.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V field hockey: 24 players to watch in the postseason