Field hockey team works for another deep run

By Hector Trujillo

After losing in heartbreaking fashion 2-1 to La Jolla in the semifinal playoff round last season, the Scripps Ranch High School varsity field hockey team looks to make another run in 2025 with its balanced and potent offense.

“We definitely got some scorers,” said head coach Elizabeth Jacobs. “A lot of the goals are rebounds and our girls (are) not giving up when we’re in the circle, so that’s really exciting to see.”

Scripps Ranch High started off this season with back to back shutout victories over Poway High School and then Canyon Crest Academy by a combined scoreline of 11-0. The Falcons have 12 games remaining starting on Sept. 24 on the road versus Canyon Hills High with a rematch coming on Oct. 13 at home.

“We are very young,” Jacobs said. “We only have three seniors, four sophomores and eight juniors.”

The three seniors are Natalia da Silva, Danielle Merrigan and Naomi Phan. They have been standout performers along with junior co-captain Sammy Ippolito who has already committed to play field hockey at Michigan State University.

Scripps Ranch High held a team meeting before the opener against Poway High on Aug. 19 in order to make sure any obstacles can be overcome in order to achieve its potential.

“Our meeting was to talk about our culture and expectations for practices and games,” Jacobs said. “This was just because we have a lot of youth and to make sure everyone is on the same page.”

The Falcons compete in the Western League and have home matches remaining versus La Jolla on Oct. 3, Canyon Hills High on Oct. 13, La Jolla Country Day on Oct. 15, Archbishop Mitty High School on Oct. 17, The Bishop’s School on Oct. 22 and Cathedral Catholic High on Oct. 24.

“We love when the fans come out to watch us play field hockey,” Jacobs said. “It’s a real boost for us when we see them cheer us on.”

Scripps Ranch High finished the previous regular season with a 15-9 record,winning three of its last four games.