Hempfield field hockey continues to improve under 2nd-year coach

In her second year as coach of the Hempfield field hockey team, Michelle Fischer is hoping to bring stability to the program.

Fischer was hired before last season after the team nearly folded. The Spartans had endured continuous coaching turnover and posted one win over the previous five seasons.

While still early in the season, Fischer already can point to improved play from her team. A 2-15 record from a year ago is not the ultimate goal, it is a sign of progression from the Spartans.

“We're still rebuilding,” said Fischer, who took over after coaching at Fox Chapel for 18 years. “A lot of the girls, because of the different coaches that they had, there was no consistency on building skills, teaching plays and different things like that. Just consistency with discipline, getting them to practice and everything.

“Since we took over the team, the girls have really bonded and have come together and I've seen great improvement.”

Standing at 1-3 overall this season, including a 3-0 win over Greensburg Central Catholic in the Spartans' home-opener, Hempfield is looking to increase its win total yet again from a year ago and compete in the challenging WPIAL Section 1-AAA.

Hempfield is led by junior center midfielder Maura Loughran, who is an “unbelievable player” according to Fischer. She recorded six defensive saves in a loss to North Allegheny, two shots and seven defensive saves against Pine-Richland and a shot and an assist in the win over Greensburg Central Catholic.

Additionally, Hempfield is led by senior Julia Gogol, who scored a goal and registered an assist against Greensburg Central Catholic, while sophomore defender Autumn Beasley and junior goalie Maddy Dunn have been primary contributors as the team awaits the potential return of senior center halfback Leah Hoffner from a shoulder injury.

While the Spartans still are working on catching up to other programs in Class AAA that have developed feeder programs to the varsity level, Fischer is optimistic about her team's improvement.

“My goals for the season are to continue to build on the win side. … I think our greatest accomplishment this year was to win our first home opener which they've never been able to do,” Fischer said.

“So my goal is to get more wins and have the girls come together as a team and continue to grow as a team.”

Alex Oltmanns is a freelance writer.