Field Hockey Notebook: Another Sarsen Milestone: Lakeland Coach Records 500th Career Win
I’ve pretty much run out of superlatives to describe Lakeland field hockey Coach Sharon Sarsen, so I don’t know what else I can possibly say regarding one of the premier coaches in New York State history that I haven’t already proclaimed in various news outlets over the years.
But 500 career field hockey wins is something the six-time NYS champion can really hang her hat on. Sarsen’s three-time reigning NYS champion Hornets (14-1) secured the milestone in last Tuesday’s 6-0 win over host Somers, which is coached by Sarsen protégé Colleen Carney, one of five former Lakeland players currently coaching in Section 1: Rebecca DiSisto (Panas), Carney (Somers), Lindsay Robinson (Edgemont), Sarah Gonzalez (Harrison) and Danielle Fiore (Briarcliff).
The Sarsen tree spreads far and wide, with a slew of former players have played at the collegiate level, including 11 this season: Emma Bozek (UNC) Amanda DiDomizio (Colgate), Shannon Scavelli (Michigan), Krista Servedio (Oneonta), Alyssa Conklin (Adelphi), Jillian Caffrey (Holy Cross), Bridget McGovern (Geneseo), Megan Bozek (UNH), Nikki Schultz (Quinnipiac), Leanne Goldblatt (Ball State), Chelsea Remling (Oneonta). And tons more are growing the game under her watch at Lakeland and Copper Beech Middle School.
“She’s amazing,” said Mia Malan, a former Lakeland standout, who went on to play at Albany in the mid-90s. “She’s the best coach any of us ever had and an even better person.”
Her commitment to the game of field hockey is second to none, not just locally, but nationally. With her involvement in USA Futures program and the leader of the Hudson Valley Field Hockey program at the Empire State Games, Sars has improved thousands of field hockey players throughout Section 1 and the USA. Her status in field hockey circles is simply epic.
“Really, it’s the kids and their devotion to the program and their commitment to grow the game,” the humble Sarsen said.…
Darien, winners of four of the last five CT Class M state titles, handed Lakeland a 2-0 loss on Saturday, its only loss of the season. Through its first 13 games, Lakeland has outscored its opponents 70-7.
YORKTOWN (8-4-1) has gotten itself on a little run of late, posting a quality 2-0 win over PUTNAM VALLEY (8-5) last Thursday at Legends Field where Huskers Isabelle Perry and Jenna Gammer scored. Goalie Bianca Dente made six saves to record the shutout. The Tigers played a lethargic first half and never seemed to get into an offensive rhythm. That could be an issue come playoff time if the Tigers can’t work that out.
The Huskers also made short work of Hen Hud Saturday in a 9-0 rout. Jackie Simpson had two goals and three assists while Julie Rothberg added two goals.
CARMEL (9-2-1) is looking like a legit player in Class A. Caitlin Murphy had two goals and four Rams, including Jamie Manecky (1 assist), Cassie Schüttrumpf and Cameryn Curry also scored on a 5-0 win over RCK. Manecky and Sara Knox scored for the Rams in a 2-0 win over Brewster on Saturday.
Amanda DeChent, of Putnam Valley, recently broke three Manhattanville records in three consecutive games and a fourth a few days later. Her records now include single-season goals (27), single season points (66), all-time goals (40) and all-time points (100). DeChent formerly played at D2 Southern Connecticut State before transferring as a sophomore. In addition to her school record, DeChent — a biology major — also became the Freedom Conference’s all-time single-season points leader with 66 on the season.
Ray has 33 years experience covering and photographing local sports in Westchester and Putnam counties, including everything from Little League/Travel Baseball to varsity high school prep sports and collegiate coverage. He has been a sports editor at Examiner Media since its inception in 2007.
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