The Parkland High School field hockey team finished with an 8-3 overall record and won a District 11 Class 3A playoff game under a new head coach this season. And for what the 2020 season has been, first-year coach Julie Bisci will take it.

“Overall I felt my first season went very successfully considering the restrictions with COVID and the forever-changing rules and expectations,” said Bisci. “Our team took it in stride and were excited for each day they were able to be on the field. It has been a privilege to join the Parkland program, the athletic department, the booster club. The parents and the players have been nothing but welcoming and supportive. I truly look forward to staying in this program as long as they will keep me.”

In the district quarterfinal round back on October 30, the fourth-seeded Trojans defeated fifth-seeded Stroudsburg 2-1 in overtime. But then they met defending district champion Emmaus for the third time in a matter of two weeks and fell to the eventual district champion Green Hornets 4-0 in the semifinal. It was the Hornets’ 32nd consecutive district championship.

“I was unaware that we did not have the best record in district tournaments,” Bisci said. “I knew we attended districts, but I was unsure of the record. I don’t always like to look at things like that and add stress to myself or my players. I was incredibly proud of the way the players maintained their composure and came through in overtime.

“We do not practice overtime often as the hope is to win in regulation, but the girls stepped up and made it happen. Even against Emmaus in the second round, although a loss, they played with so much heart and played until the last minute. To have your only three losses in the season be to such a seasoned team as Emmaus, you can’t help but be proud. And, being one of two teams to score on them was a great accomplishment and confidence booster for our players.”

Now having a year under her belt at the helm, Bisci will not only have her coaching experience to work with, but varsity experience across the field for her program.

“Next year we will have all but one starter returning,” said Bisci. “I have high hopes to be competitive in the conference and make an appearance in districts yet again. We already have our sights on next year and how best to prepare ourselves to compete with Emmaus and bring home a win. We have already set up a 2021 calendar, pending COVID of course, that involves strength and conditioning, team bonding, tournaments, practices, etc.”