For field hockey player Maria Berenato, the season can be defined by one word: “success.”

The senior forward has performed well so far, with five goals and seven assists according to her profile on NJ.com. However, she’s more focused on the success of the team.

The Hammonton High School field hockey team ended the regular season with a 11-2-2 record, ending with the 3rd seed going into the Cape-Atlantic Conference Tournament. Earlier in the season, the team suffered one of their two losses at home against Ocean City. A couple weeks later, Hammonton drove into Ocean City, ruining their senior day with a 1-0 win.

One influence on the team’s success has been the addition of Kristen Silvesti, the new head coach, who players were already familiar with.

“She was our middle school coach, so we know her and her coaching style,” said Berenato.

This season, players said they feel more focused and ready to play.

“I think the new rules this year are a little more strict, and everyone is more on task. Our heads are more in the game,” said senior Giada Palmieri.

Another reason for the success came from the field itself. Over the summer, the Board of Education installed a new turf field.

“The field helps the pace of the game, and our stick work a lot more than a grass field does,” Palmieri added.

The team has prevailed all season. After finishing the regular season, the team went on to the Cape-Atlantic Conference tournament. The team would start the tournament with a 6-2 win over Middle Township. Then they would have to face the 2nd ranked team, Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

They ended their regular season with a 12-1-0 record. Hammonton had to play as the away team, but that didn’t stop them from winning 2-1.

With the two tournament wins, Hammonton has moved on to the championship. Hammonton will play against Ocean City in the final round of the tournament, a rematch of the 2014 – 2015 championship game where Ocean City took home a 2-0 victory.

Hammonton looks to add a shiny new trophy to the collection.