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Garritano takes leadership role for Owen J. Roberts field hockey

Tradition is a word the field hockey players at Owen J. Roberts know well. Traditionally, seniors on the team are named captains. This year, however, an exemplary junior received a high number of votes, breaking the norm, and earned the honor.

Tradition is a word the field hockey players at Owen J. Roberts know well.

Traditionally, seniors on the team are named captains. This year, however, an exemplary junior received a high number of votes, breaking the norm, and earned the honor.

Midfielder Sarah Garritano has proven to be a leader for the Wildcats on and off the field, scoring eight goals and adding six assists before Wednesday night's game against visiting Upper Merion.

She has helped the team to a 5-2 conference record in the Liberty Division of the Pioneer Athletic Conference, second only to Spring-Ford.

"It's a role she is embracing with the maturity and patience of a true upper classman," said head coach Amy Hoffman. "She encourages her teammates when they need it, holds them accountable when she sees it and celebrates the successes of the team as a whole."

Garritano said she sees her role as a captain as a huge honor, especially after watching a large senior class leave after winning the PAC 10 in 2015.

"It's exciting to help push my teammates to get to that point, just being able to see our hard work all season pay off," Garritano said. "I personally hope to motivate my team to make sure we are practicing and playing to the best of our ability each game, because we definitely are in the running to win the PAC again."

Hoffman has coached Garritano throughout her high school career and said her hard work during the offseason and commitment to the game has led to her success this season.

"She devotes a great deal of time in the offseason to improving her skill set and foot work," Hoffman said. "Sarah has become more confident in her abilities as well as her skill set and is willing to take more risks on the field."

Garritano may be a younger player for the Wildcats, but she shows the humility and leadership that is more common among older players.

"Inside the circle she is a threat," Hoffman said. "She has a catalog of various shots that she can unleash at any moment. With that said, she's not a selfish player. If she sees a teammate with a better opportunity, she'll release the ball to them to have the team capitalize and score."