Freshman Roland Leads Will North Over West Seneca East

The Williamsville North varsity field hockey team might be young but they are awfully good. Coach Andrea Maslowski in her 3rd year at North and 2nd year with the varsity program has the Spartans playing as one. “Our goal is states, to be in that final four. The girls want it just as bad as I do.”

North made it to the state finals last season and are well on their way to accomplishing their primary goal this year with a 6-2 record.

Part of that continued success is the play of freshman Emma Roland. Roland was a key contributor in Wednesday’s 7-0 win over West Seneca East, recording a hat-trick and an assist. Samantha Mallare is the Spartans goaltender. The 10th grader made 14 saves to earn the shutout.

Shannon Quinlan, a senior and the team captain, also had three goals.

West Seneca came into Wednesday’s game looking for their first win. Coach Jimmy Maisano thought his team played hard but North was just that much better today. “The girls are trying, we have some injuries and a really young group.” The Lady Trojans have five freshman starting.

“It’s very hard. I play ice hockey and there really isn’t a comparison. It’s totally different.” Sophomore goalkeeper Maddy McCartan said shortly after recording 20 saves in the game. “We have a lot of good athletes out here but this isn’t our number one sport.”

North will travel to play Amherst on Friday while East is off until Monday.