The Hightstown High School field hockey team is off to a 5-1 start and according to coach Nichole Tomasello, that shouldn't catch anyone by surprise.
"To be honest, I'm not surprised at all," said Tomasello, who guided Hightstown to an 8-8 finish in 2010. "We knew we had a good team. It was just a matter of time before they stepped up and showed what they had."
Hightstown's most recent win was 3-1 over Ewing on Sept. 26.
Find out what's happening in East Windsorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kelly Mankowich, Courtney Prunchak and Bari Soriano all scored for Hightstown in the win.
Hightstown also had another outstanding defensive effort and has only allowed more than one goal once this season.
Find out what's happening in East Windsorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"My defense has stepped up in every game," Tomasello said. "They really work together. They are tough and strong back there."
Kelsey Brennan, Nicole Brooks and Amanda Oberg are the starters on defense. Nicole Kerr and Erin Walsh have also filled in at times. This group has played well in front of Dorothy Van Ahnen, the goalie.
Hightstown defeated Hamilton, 5-0, on Sept. 15.
Soriano scored twice. Prunchak had a goal and assist. Samantha Brooks and Melissa Ladd also scored. Mankowich had four assists.
Hightstown also defeated Lawrence, 2-1, on Sept. 22.
Brooks and Soriano scored for Hightstown. Von Ahnen had four saves in the win.
Hightstown's lone loss of the season was 3-2 to Robbinsville on Sept. 20.
"The girls have been working hard and it shows," Tomasello said. "The seniors have been together for a while. The other girls have filled in perfectly. These girls are friends. They are bringing that closeness on the field. I knew this year would be a good one."
