Field Hockey

Mercersburg varsity field hockey fell 6–1 to Chambersburg Area Senior High School this past Wednesday. Despite the result, players and coaches saw improvement throughout the game, leading to the conclusion that the matchup was more competitive than the final score suggested.

Head coach Jomara Coghlan saw the game as another opportunity for the developing team to get exposure and learn. “I think it is a great growth experience for the girls since they stepped up and the passes got better as the game went on,” Coghlan said.

Charlie Hamilton ’28 believed the game was winnable but acknowledged that the team struggled to play together. “It wasn’t our team’s best game, just because I think everyone was a little bit emotionally charged,” Hamilton said. “I think it was definitely a winnable game, but we didn’t play as a team the way that we had played in our previous games.”

Hamilton believes the team can still gain a lot from the loss. “I think it was a good learning experience for us to kind of keep our heads in the game and not let ourselves get worked up,” she said.

Captain Sammi Chepren ’27 commented, “Through the second and third quarter, we did well with marking up on people.” However, with several players unavailable and no substitutes, Chepren said fatigue made recovery and getting back to the ball more difficult later in the game.

Although Mercersburg has faced challenges this season, players have noticed the growing team chemistry under Coghlan. “There were a lot of new people this year, myself included,” Hamilton said. “I think with our new coach, we’re doing a lot better as a team.”

Chepren agreed that the young roster has bonded as the season has progressed. The team uses small activities, such as a daily question, to build trust and understanding. “I think it’s helped us get to know each other a bit more,” Chepren said.

One of the team’s biggest moments this season came in its victory over St. James, the first field hockey win since 2023, Chepren and teammate Whitney Webb ’27’s freshman year. In that game, Hamilton scored a season-high of 5 goals.

Chepren highlighted her work with Hamilton on offense and Webb’s defensive stops and accuracy on corners. Hamilton, in turn, praised Chepren for her immense grit. “She always keeps her head up,” Hamilton said. “She’s always there to uplift everybody. She always has something positive to say, and I think that’s really helpful for us as a team.”

Coghlan similarly applauded Chepren’s leadership. “It is not easy when field hockey is not your main sport, but she still took up all the pressure and led the team for growth,” Coghlan said.

For a team comprised of many young and new players and a new coach, the season remains focused on building the foundation for the years to come. Hamilton believes the progress will continue. “I think it’s going to continue to get better,” she said.