Field Hockey: Titans Look to Rebound in 2011

The Poway High girls field hockey team struggled to compile just five wins in 18 games in 2010, with only one of those victories coming in league play. Then in the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, the Titans were shut out in the first round by Vista High. 

This fall, coach Cindi Lou-Villa and her team hope to make a turnaround, be a player in the always-competitive Palomar League and make a run in the playoffs at the end of the season.

“We have to use our speed and our stick skills, because we have them,” said Lou-Villa. “Also, this year they all have brains, so I don’t have to yell at them all the time.”

Poway (5-3-1) already is off to a solid start, including a 2-0 win over Hilltop on Thursday, using brains and speed to come away with a couple of big wins over San Dieguito Academy, which made it to the finals of the San Diego CIF Division II playoffs last season. The Titans also earned a tie with San Pasqual, one of the top Division I teams in the county. 

Although they had a tough go of it last year, it wasn’t all bad for the Titans. A main bright spot for Poway was the play of junior Ashley Johnson, who made first-team all-league. She's expected to make another big impact in her senior season, not only in the matches, but on her teammates, who are sure to pick up on the intensity that she brings to the game. 

“I do my best to try to always help [my teammates] any way I can,” said senior captain Johnson. “If we can all work together and come out strong in every game, I’d consider it a successful season.”

Other players on the Titans roster to watch for this season are senior captain Lisa O’Brien, junior goalie Dena Seiss and junior forward Bri Cassidy. The team also has a strong cast of underclassmen who could influence just how successful Poway will be this season.

The only real question that has yet to be answered is whether the Titans can keep injuries down throughout the year.

“I really think we can do well this season in league if we can stay healthy. That’s the key,” said Lou-Villa. “Last year we always had two or three players out every game.”

Though the Titans blanked the visiting Hilltop Lancers (3-7) in their nonconference match Thursday night, they again had two starters on the bench with injuries. One of them was Johnson, who sat out due to inflammation in her chest, but she hopes to be back on her feet in time for the game next week against Rancho Buena Vista.

“It’s the hardest thing ever to be out of the game,” said Johnson. “I can see so much on the sidelines, and I wish I could be out there helping.”

Poway filled in well for their downed leader, keeping the play on the Hilltop side for most of the match. The Titans were able to capitalize on two of their scoring opportunities while holding the Lancers scoreless. 

“I thought we played really well. We had good passing and good communication out there,” said Cassidy, who came away with both goals. “We work really well together and I think we can go far this year.”

---------------------------------------------------------------

For more information on the Poway field hockey team, follow the Titans on their website, or check them out on Max Preps.