This year, the DC field hockey team had a thrilling season, compiling an impressive 14-5 record, achieving a 9th place ranking in Class A, and advancing to the district semifinals. Along the way, Head Coach Jacklyn Daniel kept the squad engaged and focused, resulting in the team scoring 11 or more goals in four of their games.

The team’s first game of the season was against Christopher Dock. After putting up a good fight, the Knights lost 4-2; however, this filled them with the determination to play better. The next game against Friends’ Central was quite a different story as the girls won, 11-0. By the time the squad played Dock again at Homecoming, they had 12 wins under their belt, giving them the confidence to average the earlier loss with a 1-0 win. These events led the Knights to the district semi-finals against Pope John Paul II, where DC waged a scoreless battle until the visitors tallied a very late second-half goal to win, 1-0.

Incredibly, junior Alexa Cardone scored 32 of the team's 46 goals this season. Alexa’s motivation was simple: “To play the best for my team [so] that God will glorify us so we can glorify Him.” That is not to say that DC’s goalie didn’t have an amazing season as well. In fact, sophomore goalie Juliet Jackson saved 117 opponents’ shots this season. While Juliet spent most of her time in the goal, it allowed her to see the game from a different angle: “It made me feel accomplished to help others and helped me stay focused.” Senior Emily Rossini, the team manager, said that this season the girls worked really hard on “communication and moving the ball up the field.’’

 This season the team used many different strategies to improve their skills, such as shifting, grouping different positions, and talking with each other about how they could improve. This created an openness with the team, allowing them to have fun both on and off the field. 

After establishing themselves as a strong team that finished with a competitive 7-5-1 record last season and falling just short of a district title, DC’s varsity girls field hockey team is not only optimistic about another postseason berth this season but is also anticipating the possibility of winning an elusive BAL title. Led by Coach Jackie Barr, the Knights have all the talent that they need for success. 

Previously, the Knights defeated enough of their BAL rivals during the 2023 season to capture a postseason berth. “Our games against Jenkintown and Plumstead were very big league wins for us,” explains Coach Barr. “Winning those games really helped us get into district playoffs.” The squad defeated these rivals 3-1, and 4-2, respectively. 

Moreover, these victories emerged from a maturing team as the Knights were led by current junior Alexa Cardone, who led the team in goals (22), assists (9), and points (53). In fact, Cadone is ranked 68th in the country and 17th in the state in goals scored. Furthermore, junior Carrington Taylor and graduate Elizabeth Matty were significant assets to the team last season as well, scoring five and eight goals, respectively. 

Unfortunately, when the 2023 season came to a close, the Knights were defeated by Faith Christian Academy in the first round of the district playoffs, 9-0. This season, however, they hope to improve their already respectable record from last year and become more competitive in the postseason. Still, the squad does have some tough matchups that they must face prior to obtaining a playoff berth, specifically with Faith Christian Academy and Dock Mennonite Academy, each of whom they will oppose two times. Nevertheless, the Knights believe they have everything they need for victory. “Every single member of our team contributes in huge ways,” states Coach Barr. 

This year, the squad will again be spearheaded by junior Alexa Cardone, who was ostensibly the M.V.P. for the team last year. Furthermore, the defense will be led by sophomore goalie Juliet Jackson, who ranked 20th in the state with 74 saves. Additionally, Knights fans look forward to seeing freshman Sonny Groce, who shows significant promise.  

Indeed, the future looks promising for DC’s 2024 field hockey program, as they will field a bounty of talented players who will be led by a very supportive coach.