South Jersey Field Hockey Top 10
Preseason rankings, with last season's records in parentheses.
1. Eastern (26-2). With five returning starters and a plethora of talented players fighting to fill out the lineup, the Vikings should make a run for their 12th consecutive state Group 4 championship.
2. Shawnee (18-5). The Renegades are back with an offense and defense manned by skilled seniors and juniors as well as steady sophomores.
3. West Deptford (20-2). The Eagles will defend their South Jersey Group 2 title with a veteran group of scorers and defenders who will show the younger players how to hold onto a championship.
4. Bishop Eustace (17-3-3). The Central Jersey Group 2 titlists will look to get back to the big game with a half-dozen returning starters and others who have championship-game experience.
5. Ocean City (22-2). Coming off a South Jersey Group 3 championship season, the Red Raiders return with a new coach, a good offense, and a new defense that will have to click for the team to make a title run.
6. Washington Township (18-3). The Minutemaids have only three returning starters; however, each can bolster the inexperienced forward, midfield, and defensive lines and turn the team into a contender.
7. Holy Cross (16-5-2). The Central Jersey Group 1 champs return with four returning starters; however, the rest of the team got enough playing time last year for Holy Cross to be considered a threat to defend the title.
8. Schalick (18-5-1). Last year was the first in which the Cougars won the South Jersey Group 1 championship, and the present group, paced by six returning players, will try to find a way back to the throne.
9. Kingsway (17-4). Runner-up to Ocean City in the South Jersey Group 3 title contest, the Dragons have four returning starters and a host of players who can transition from offense to defense.
10. Moorestown (15-4). The Burlington County League Liberty Division champs will take another run at the Central Jersey Group 3 title with a strong offense and defense.
- Bill Iezzi
