Williamsville South Field Hockey Preview

If Mary Ferenczy and Julie Murphy can’t get you excited about Williamsville South field hockey then no one can.

Ferenczy has been at the helm of the field hockey program for over 25 years. Her assistant, coach Murphy, is a former multiple sport standout during her days as a student-athlete at Will-South.

The two will be guiding the fortunes of the program again this fall as they look to make a deep run in the post season. But long term goals start with baby steps.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the team grow and learn to work together to find success and have fun playing field hockey,” Ferenczy said about the new season.

Last season the Billies made it to the Section VI Class B semifinals where rival Williamsville East handed them a 3-0 loss.

Though they have lost core players like Marnie Reidell, Gabby Runfola and Makayla Stoness the Billies bring back enough talent to know what it takes to get to the post season. And enough girls that will use the sting of that loss as motivation to go deeper this season.

Will-South will be counting on seniors Kayla Gill, All-ECIC selection Anna Lorenzo, Sarina Mansouri, and All-WNY second teamer Elisabeth Sidorski to set the right examples and show the other girls, especially the varsity rookies, what it takes to be a varsity athlete.

Seniors Chloe McKenna, Kyra Schmidt, Katie Internicola and Serena Newsom will be the veteran leaders on offense.

Leadership, at least on paper, should not be an issue for the Billies as they have proven talent at all positions.

Having that much veteran talent spread throughout the line up gives them stability as there is always a veteran leader nearby to lend support when needed.

Senior goalie Keegan Gillman also returns between the pipes, with sophomore Ella Smithers ready to prove her worth whenever she is called upon.

No matter who is in net she will have the benefit of an experienced defense as seniors Nina Stephan, Rachel Kowalski, Lauren Smithers and Lauren Doerfler all return.

The Billies roster is bolstered by the addition of promising young players Ari Turner, Emily Eichner, Kira Khayat, Julia Crocker, Vada Seely and Abby Haase who are all up from JV.

Sydney Doane, Abby Eising and Elizabeth Jackson are also on the Will-South opening day roster.