If you ask any coach or athlete for the goals for the fall sports season, it’s most likely just to play games.

Bethlehem Catholic field hockey coach Sarah Lumi is looking forward to her first-year at the helm of the program, one that she just hopes they can play.

“Our main goal is to play,” said Lumi. “We are ready to start our games and ready to see all the hard work the team has put in this summer pay off. We always strive for progress. We want the girls to improve individually and as a team and that has produced results in the past. We look forward to see what their progress yields this season.”

The Hawks finished last season 8-10-1 but have an abbreviated 10-game slate this season in the East Penn Conference, just like every other team.

Returning players for the Hawks include Maya Bond (Forward, soph.), Krista Gimaro (Defense, Sr.), Lauren Gould (Defense, Jr.), Emilia Lieb (Midfield, Jr.) Kaylee Maines (Defense, Sr.), Gabby Meixell (Forward, Sr.), Catherine Scheidel (Midfield, Sr.), Rebecca Scheidel (Forward, Jr.), Brooke Sodl (Midfield, Jr.) Casey Torchia (Forward, Sr.) and Kara Vazquez (Goalkeeper, Jr.).

Freshman Mia Willard could make an impact as a forward.

“Most of our defense and midfield players are returning with a lot of experience and momentum from last season,” said Lumi. “They are excited to return to games and continue to make progress for the program. I expect their experience together and motivation for this season to lead to some great team chemistry and therefore positive results on the field. We are making some lineup changes that really suit the strengths of this team.

“Brooke Sodl was one of our top scorers last year on the forward line and this year we will look to her to take on a bigger role with leading the team from the midfield. Emilia Lieb was a solid midfielder for us last year and we expect she will continue to support defensively while making a bigger mark on offense. Kara Vazquez is now in her third year as our goalie. She is more prepared than ever in understanding what to expect from her opponents and what she needs to do in her role on the team. All of our Seniors, Casey, Catherine, Krista, Kaylee, will be leading the team after having solid varsity seasons last year. Their consistency as players and guidance for their teammates is invaluable.”

With expectations aside, the Hawks just want to play.

“COVID has changed our outlook because it has made us all more appreciative for every day we get to practice and play,” Lumi said. “That appreciation for the game and for the team has kept the attitude positive during this challenging time. Their positivity throughout all of the Covid changes will keep them more resilient throughout the season.”