Coming out strong this past season, the Campus Community middle school field hockey team had its first winning season going 8-1-1.

    “They have been a very cohesive team,” said coach Denise Boyles. “A few started playing in 6th grade and have kept working together over the years.”

    Boyles said 23 girls came out to play this past season and she put them through defense and offense workshops to develop their strengths.

    The team’s only loss came from Caravel Academy but their wins included Ursuline, St. Ann’s, Red Lion Christian Academy and Holy Cross. Overall, the record of eight wins, one loss and one tie was a great improvement over last year’s 6-7 record.

    The four eighth-grade captains — forward Jenna Hayes, center-mid Brandi Steady, sweeper Jara Cain and forward Addie Stang — have been playing together for two years and put down hard work as the reason for their success.

    “It was teamwork,” Jenna said. “We all worked together really well.”

    “Dedication also played a big role,” said Addie.

    Boyles hadn’t played field hockey herself since middle school but she credited her work as a math teacher at the school for helping develop a good working relationship with the girls.

    “I know the girls already and have a great rapport with them,” she said. “They work hard for me.”

    As for their future high school plans, the girls were undecided about where they may end up.

    “We all want to try to go to the same place so we can play together,” Brandi said.

    They all have a couple of options to choose from and even if they don’t wind up at the same place, they know they’ll always have their winning season.

Email Melissa Steele at melissa.steele@doverpost.com