Gilford remains the team to beat as D3 field hockey season gets underway

There were a few changes around Division III field hockey during the offseason, but one thing remains the same.

The Gilford High School field hockey team, the two-time defending champions, are still the team to beat.

With a strong group of seniors back, the Golden Eagles enter the year as the favorite and the team that everyone is chasing. A handful of teams will have plenty of shots at knocking off Gilford, particularly over the first half of a tough schedule for the Golden Eagles.

The division saw a change in the number of teams, as Sanborn petitioned down from Division II for the NHIAA’s new two-year cycle. Two programs, Conant and White Mountains, will not field teams this season, as numbers were down for both teams.

Favorite

• Gilford (16-1, champions): The Golden Eagles lost just five seniors from last year’s team, which won its second D3 title in row. With a lot of returning players, including seniors Olivia Keenan, Lilly Winward, Addison Normandin and Grace Kelly, Gilford looks like the team to beat as it tries to make it three titles in a row.

Challengers

• Bishop Brady (11-4, lost in quarterfinals): For the first time in five seasons, the Giants weren’t competing for the title at the end of the postseason. Despite losing seven to graduation, Bishop Brady has enough returning to make a run at this year’s title. Leading the way will be seniors Kimble Rose (forward), Camdyn Despres (midfield/forward), Payton Bryson (midfield) and Madison Noel (forward/midfield) along with juniors Marcella Tonge (midfield) and goalie Ava Archambault. Ella Blanchette and Reese Henry will have an opportunity to contribute as well.
• Newport (12-3, lost in quarterfinals): The Tigers return all but two players from a season ago and have a very senior-laden group. Seniors Peyton Blackinton, Taylor Fellows and Maddox Lovely return at forward for Newport. Senior Natasha Carpenter returns on defense, where she’ll be joined by junior Zoey Lord.
• Berlin (12-6, lost in final): The Mountaineers played the role of spoiler for a lot of teams last season on their run to the title game. With just three players graduating, Berlin looks like a team that could go deep in the playoffs again. The ‘Eers have a core group returning, led by seniors Madison Valerino (forward), Lily Kelley (defense) and Gabby Poulin (midfield) and junior goalie McKenna Kelley.

Contenders

• Newfound (12-4, lost in semifinals): The Bears lost three players to graduation, but numbers have gone up slightly this season to go with a solid returning core. Newfound returns a great 1-2 punch at forward with senior Adeline Dolloff, last year’s offensive player of the year, and senior Elle MacDonald returning. Also back is senior goalie Allie Normandin, who is a four-year starter. Other seniors returning include Casey Bush, Kate Egan and Cora Sanschagrin while junior Annabel Smolenski and sophomore Jayden Gilpatric are also back. Senior Vanessa Frasca returns to the sport after a few seasons away while freshmen Olivia Bell and Erin Matthews will have a chance to contribute.
• Mascoma Valley (11-5, lost in quarterfinals): The Royals graduated five seniors from last season and will have a smaller team this year. Senior Ann Buffington and juniors MaKenna Houston, Ellie McGrody, Evie Bennett and Anna Merson give Mascoma a strong front line while senior Jillian Ballow will lead the defense. Freshman Tori Petty will have a chance to contribute.
• Kearsarge (7-7, lost in preliminary round): The Cougars took a big step forward last season, and after graduating just three seniors, have a lot returning. Leading the way is senior goalie Luna Landers, who will be joined on defense by sophomores Ava Nolan-Waddell and Ryley Grace while seniors Ava Valle and sophomore Leah Reeve will see time on defense and at midfield. Senior Tori Wooten and junior Abby Bradbury will lead the forward group. Freshmen midfielders Raegan Billado, Payton MacMichael and Adella Monnat will be looked to to contribute.
• Stevens (12-3-1, lost in semifinals)

Dark Horses

• Hopkinton (5-10, lost in preliminary round): After winning the title in 2021, the Hawks had a down year, but returned to the playoffs last season. Hopkinton will look to continue to build this year with a big group of players returning. Leading the way on defense will be senior goalie Maddie Ceriello along with seniors Crissy Johnson and Kelsey Sullivan, junior Maddie Dwyer and sophomore Mary Maughan. Sophomores Ryan Barrett and Aurelia Salce return up front while junior Emma Brock and sophomores Lauryn Vetter and Autumn Meier return at midfield. Freshman Gigi Upton will also have a chance to contribute.
• Mascenic (4-9-1): The Vikings have a younger team, with nine freshmen joining the squad, but there are enough returners to give them plenty of experience. Leading the way on defense is senior Lorelai Shippee and she’ll be joined by junior Brielle Krook and sophomore Ava Haavisto. Sophomore Kiahna Farrey and senior Ella Keating will lead the forward group while freshmen Hailey Saari and Iris Traffie will be looked to contribute. Freshmen Madi Farrey and Scarlett Nielson will see plenty of time at midfield while senior Addy Gregg will fill in where needed.
• Winnisquam (5-9): The Bears missed out on the playoffs last year on a tiebreaker. They return a large junior group, led by Camilla Cole, Zariah Moore, Ava Sargent, Autumn Smith, Annabella Soucy and Densessa Williams. Senior Bianca Mendez joins the varsity this season, along with freshmen Olivia Fredette, Brianna Gammon, Brooke Gammon and Anastasia Soucy.

Rest of the Field

• Monadnock (2-12): The Huskies suffered some tough luck when junior Charliegh Bohannon suffered an injury over the summer and will be out for the season. Goalie Makayla Harwood returns to lead the defense while other returning players include Hannah Mapes, Sophie Manlove, Jillian Ellis, Violet Jackson, Bryanna Lacoste, Emma Cotnoir and Hailey Fisk. Monadnock has 10 freshmen on the roster this season, including Jolene Boudette, who could provide some help up front. Teaghan Bohannon will take over her sister’s position on the field while Olivia Jacobsen and Ava Caron will have a chance to contribute.
• Franklin (2-10): The Golden Tornadoes have a handful of players returning that could see them take a step forward from last season. Leading the way is senior goalie Savaughna Slocum, who will be joined on defense by junior Sage Slocum and senior Abby Pitman. Senior Abby Collins returns at forward while the midfield will be led by senior Taylor Caron and junior Addison Francis.
• Sanborn (0-14 in D2): The Indians petitioned down to D3 and will be ineligible for the playoffs in 2024. With a solid core returning, Sanborn could play the role of spoiler this season. Vanessa Aleman returns to lead the forwards, along with Alyssa Radjavitch. Summer Campbell is back at midfield while Megan Flaherty will see time at midfield and forward. Jacqueline Lampron and Jade Dutton are back to give the defense experience. Freshman Allie Rogers will fill a key role for Sanborn while junior Julie Lumnah transfers in from St. Thomas to join the Indians up front.
• St. Thomas (2-12)
• Littleton (0-14)

Postseason Predictions

• Playoff teams (11): Berlin, Bishop Brady, Gilford, Hopkinton, Kearsarge, Mascenic, Mascoma Valley, Newfound, Newport, Stevens, Winnisquam.
• Final four: Berlin, Bishop Brady, Gilford, Newport.
• Championship: Gilford over Bishop Brady.
• Offensive Player of the Year: Kimble Rose, Bishop Brady
• Defensive Player of the Year: Makayla Harwood, Monadnock