Eastern’s Heilig earns 300th win

Eastern field hockey coach Danyle Heilig celebrated her 300th career victory in front of friends and family on Wednesday, when the host Vikings plundered Paul VI, 10-0, in an Olympic Conference match.

"It's exciting, but the kids were more excited about it than I was," Heilig said of reaching the milestone.

"But I've never been one to concern myself with things like that. I look at it more as an accomplishment for our program than for me. And I'm proud of what we've been able to do over the years."

The 300th career win came in Heilig's 13th season - a reign that includes 12 consecutive NJSIAA state titles. Just as impressive is the fact that the Vikings have lost just eight matches and tied 10 times over that span.

Under Heilig, Eastern has also provided a pipeline to national collegiate programs, and this season's squad certainly possesses enough talent to keep the scouts' attention.

Against Paul VI, Carly Celkos posted a hat trick, Jade Dixon and Emma Johansson scored two goals apiece, and netminder Alana Barry was credited with the shutout.

Even circumstances beyond Heilig's control played out in her favor. The game was moved to Eastern's turf complex when the field at Paul VI was deemed unplayable on Tuesday night.