LJ FH: Liu cookin'

By Ed Piper

Early in La Jolla's field hockey game at Serra Mon., Oct. 23, the Vikings' Serene Liu, defending the Conquistadors' Katie Schneider, took the ball right away from the star player and headed upfield.

It's probably the last time Schneider, with years of playing experience on an undefeated team, underestimated the LJHS sophomore.

It wasn't the first time Liu has made her impact in this, her breakout season under the Vikings' new coach, Amanda Warford.

"She's our center defender," said Warford before the game. "Serene has a good mindset. She stays low through her block tackles" (when a defender quickly lays her entire stick down on the turf to block a ball).

Liu also shows good speed and agility, using her athleticism to make the most of her skills after having played only one year of the sport. It's hard for anyone coming in new to a sport.

Warford was also complimentary of Kate Hartford, another sophomore, for stepping up. "Kate is very consistent and reliable on the posts, tipping goals in," said her coach. Hartford and teammate Nora Joyce both had hat tricks in recent games.

Leaders of note, in the coach's view, have included seniors Joyce and Nikki Collins, and junior Morgan Hansen.

"All three cover the middle of the field. They're always in the right space. They're strong offensively and defensively."

Of Hansen, a junior captain, Warford said: "She is our strongest hitter. She has great vision. She makes great passes. Morgan sees the space. She understands the structure. She has a lot of assists."