Welsh and Deusch lead Devils over Seraphs

By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr   Photos by SportshotsWLB

Tradition places seraphs in the highest rank in the Christian angelic hierarchy. However the Seraphs of Mater Dei didn’t have a prayer when they visited the Blue Devils of Shore Regional last week in a Shore Conference field hockey game.

Shore completely dominated every aspect of the game. They took a 10-0 lead in the first half, and during the second half resting the starters the Devils added three more goals and won the game 13-0. Leading the squad with five goals was senior Jessica Welch. Teammate and fellow senior Annie Deusch scored four goals.

Also scoring were Anna Cooper, Abby Kopec, Vikki LaMorte and Kelsey O’Neill. Getting four assists in the victory was Maggie Lamb while Kaitlyn Hunter had one. The Blue Devils had an incredible 51 shots on the Seraphs goal. Mater Dei didn’t even get one shot off on the Shore goal.

“We have just finished our regular season play and clinched the B Central division title,” said Kelly Koenig, head coach. That is 44th consecutive year the Blue Devils have won the divisional title. “Our schedule has been extremely competitive this year, one of the most challenging in the Shore Conference.”

Koenig who is in her second year as head coach has a philosophy that she wants her teams to play the best schools possible. “That will raise our overall play to a higher level, make us prepared for post season and learn from each experience regardless of the outcome,” added Koenig.

During the early part of the season the Blue Devils suffered some tough setbacks, but the players have responded to each game and worked to make the necessary corrections to their individual play and as a unit, according to the coach.

“I think the most important piece to this season is that this team has not made excuses when falling short of the desired goals. They have remained consistent in their efforts of becoming better,” Koenig said.Shore was undefeated at 10-0 in the division and at 14-3 as of press time. Henry Hudson is in second place at 8-2 followed by St. Rose 5-5, Ranney 2-7-1, Mater Dei 2-7-1 and Keyport at 2-8.

Anna Cooper (42), a junior defender on the Blue Devils squad, shoots and makes a penalty shot, her first varsity goal, in the 13-0 win over Mater Dei.

Senior forward Julianne Hurley (17, on left) steals the ball away from a Mater Dei opponent last week.

Shore Regionall field hockey seniors