Induction Sport Type

2013 Field Hockey Team 1998

THE 1998 STATE CHAMPION FIELD HOCKEY TEAM.

The storied 1998 team amassed a 17-1-3 record. In the regular season, they notched impressive wins against North Salem, 1-0 and a 3-0 win over Rye, which avenged an early season loss.  They also tied field hockey powerhouses Bronxville and Lakeland. They topped Briarcliff 2-0 to capture the Sectional Title. In the postseason, they outscored their opponents 11 to 1, giving up their only goal in their opening round sectional game.

After a State Final overtime loss in 1996, the young Rye Neck squad was determined to make it back to the State Tournament. A 2-0 regional final win over Deposit and a 3-0 game against Salem in the State Semifinals set up the team for its final mission - a win in the State Championship game. In the game at P&C Stadium in Syracuse, Rye Neck beat Pierson-Bridgehampton 1-0.  Jamie Degina’s assist to Beth Gulotta with 4:20 left in the first half, proved to be the only goal the Panthers needed for the win. The team also managed to defend 10 penalty corners in the final 30 minutes to hold on to the win and seal the victory rounding out Coach Lorys coaching career in fine fshion.

The 1998 Team was coached by Head Coach Barbara Lorys, and Assistant Coaches Nina Savoca and Carl Fazio. The championship winning roster consisted of Beth Gulotta, Jill Gulotta, Josie Pezzolla, Josie Fassolino, Lina Carolini, Jamie DaGina, Angie Guterrez, Carolyn Handway, Allison Mazza, Katie Yokum, Justine Silver, Fran Izzo, Mary Smith, Lauren Stirk, Lauren Castelli, Melanie DeRosa, and Molly Lurken. Beth Gulotta would go on to continue her Field Hockey career at the collegiate level for Lafayette College and later return home to Rye Neck to become the Head Coach of the Field Hockey team she once played for. The team was inducted into the Rye Neck Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013.