Voice:  How long have you been playing field hockey?

CL:  I’ve been playing field hockey since I was a freshman here at Presentation.

Voice: How did you become interested in field hockey?

CL: My older sister played field hockey in high school. After I saw her play, I became  interested in it.

Voice: Is there a specific player that you look up to?

CL: I look up to my sister. She plays as a center forward at Davis.

Voice: What advice would you give other players?

CL: My main advice is to practice at home. I like to go into my room and play with my tennis ball. Practicing on your own is key.

Voice: What is your favorite move?

CL: My favorite move is called the “Show and Go.” You open your stick like your passing right, and then you pull the ball left and sprint away from the opponent. These break aways are my favorite.

Voice: Are you involved in any other physical activities outside of field hockey?

CL:  I have played soccer in the past, and I like to go running on my own when I get the chance.

Voice: What field hockey programs have you participated in?

CL: I participated in Futures. It’s a program where girls from different schools come together to practice with college coaches. I also played on the club team, Nor Cal Rush.

Voice: Are you looking to play field hockey in the future?

CL: I definitely am looking to play field hockey in college at a couple of different schools.

Voice: What is the biggest misconception about field hockey?

CL: It is a tough sport. People think it’s simply about girls running around in skirts. When you actually see a game, you begin to think that it’s really hard and intense.

Voice: What is the coach like?

CL: I’ve been on Coach Shiv’s team since I was a sophomore. He’s a really good coach. He knows what he’s talking about, and he’s gone international. He really cares about improving the program.

Voice: Who is your biggest rival?

CL: Last year, our biggest rival was Leigh. It was the only team we lost to. This year, moving up a division, every single team  is our biggest rival. But I want to beat St. Francis because my sister went there. I’m little LemMon, watch out!

Clusters of black and white jerseys huddled together in spirited cheer as an air of anxiety rocked the Presentation High School bench. Mouth guards squeaking, shoes laced up, and hair pulled back, the varsity team took to the field for the first pre-season game of the year. Recently moved up to Division I, Presentation faces the challenge of competing with some of the best players in the Silicon Valley.

September 3 marked the first scrimmage of the season against a Division II team, the Live Oak Acorns. Throughout the game, the Panthers played with intensity, heart, and a drive for victory. Hoping to start the season with success, the team committed themselves to a set of ambitious goals which included mottos such as, “never give up,” “play with heart,” and “remain positive.” Opening the game with such goals in mind, the team took to the field ready to play.

Within the first thirty minute half, sophomore Ali Walkley scored the first goal of the 2009 season, quite an accomplishment for a first year varsity player. A roar of claps and cheers penetrated the crowded bleachers, as the team applauded her. The Panthers, united by a drive for further success on the field, collaborated in an effort to continue scoring goals.

Nicole Traina, Alyssa Logan, Cloey LemMon, Stephanie Wan, Mallory Collins, and Jennifer Randazzo maintained control of the ball throughout much of the game, as the ball rarely passed the fifty yard line. Executing various offensive tactics such as pulls, sweeps, and dribbling fakes, the offensive line constantly pressured the opposing defense. Forward Kimberly Tobias scored once during the second half while center forward Cloey LemMon scored twice. One of LemMon’s goals was scored within the last three seconds of the game, bringing the total score from Panthers 3, Acorns 0, to Panthers 4, Acorns, 0.

The varsity team is off to a triumphant beginning. With goals in mind, victory in place, and a challenging season ahead, the Panthers will charge into each game hoping to crush the other opponents.