Three years removed from making it to back-to- back Division 2 State Championship games Norwood field hockey is hoping to be able to make another run at the big game. During the 2023 season, the Mustangs grabbed the number two seed in the tournament but eventually had their season come to an end with an overtime loss to Reading in the Division Championship contest. The following year, Norwood was awarded the number one seed, but unfortunately once again, was ousted in the championship game, this time falling to Somerset Berkley.

Last fall, Norwood under the guidance of Allison Penza who returned to take control of the team, the Mustangs once again made it into the Division 2 post season earning a 13 seed that was able to take out Oliver Ames in the first round only to fall to Canton in the next game. During that season, Norwood didn't have a lot of veteran players, in fact, the squad only had two returning starters and another two or three girls who were used sparingly.

As the preseason gets underway, Penza will have last year's back-up keeper Abby Phifer donning the goalie uniform. Last fall, Phifer, although practicing with the varsity squad, primarily suited up for the junior varsity team due to the fact their goalie was injured.

"By playing with the jv team, at least she was getting game time action," Penza said. "It's a big jump going from jv to varsity but I feel with all the work she got with her club team and the clinics she took part in, she'll be ready to step into the role this year."

At the other end of the field, the Mustangs will be looking for their forwards to move the ball into the offensive zone and repeatedly find the back of the net. Leading the way will be seniors Mackenzie Conley and Ally Mannering who both saw significant playing time last fall. Conley was the team's second leading scorer and Mannering has been seeing time off the bench since her sophomore campaign. Junior Maureen Larkee, the team's top scorer, will be placed in the center forward position.

"Having such an experienced front line that has speed and a scoring touch, I am very excited," Penza said. "I am looking for them to capitalize a lot more on their scoring to give us an edge."

The Norwood midfield will be patrolled by juniors Aly O'Neil (in the center) and Emma Penza (on the left). Penza has been with the team since her sophomore season when the team made it to the championship game so she knows what the team is expecting to return to the big games. Both girls bring a very strong athleticism to the game and play well with one another.

On the opposite side of Penza will be senior Maddie Doucette, another athlete who plays club field hockey in the off season. After playing the high middle last year, Penza is moving the senior to the right side allowing her to add to her game and stick skills while hopefully making it onto the score sheet.

Defensively, seniors Maddie Sople and Ashley Delaria will keep the ball away from the Norwood net. Both girls have been starters with speed and a high field hockey IQ and should be able to control the area for the Mustangs. Penza noted that the duo saw significant time for the first time last fall and is expecting them having the experience to move forward this year.

Through the majority of last season Norwood found themselves vying for the league title, but when this season opens the Norwood coach is confident the girls will be readier than they were last fall and should be able to compete.

She is also eyeing a return to the tournament while improving upon last year's performance.

"It was good to get a first-round win last year and move into the second round of play," Penza said. "Now we have the experience and know what they are capable of and building upon that performance. One thing I can never question is their continuous effort."

If the Mustangs can increase their scoring while staying strong defensively, the coach sees no reason why they cannot surpass last year's performance.