By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

Meghan Pini’s third year as Natick High’s field hockey coach is a good example of how a team can keep improving on its regular-season record and how it can build playoff tradition.

Pini’s first season ended with a 6-7-5 record and a No. 23 rank in the Division 1 power ratings. Natick, however, lost to Concord-Carlisle in the first round of the state tourney. 

Last year, the Redhawks took a giant step forward, finishing Pini’s second campaign with an 11-4-3 record and a No. 12 slot in the rankings. 

Their playoff outcome also improved. Natick High split two games, defeating Waltham and losing to Belmont.

At Local Town Pages deadline, the current edition of the Redhawks had an 11-3-1 record and a No. 9 power ranking. 

Coach Meghan Pini has guided Natick High’s field hockey team to its third straight tourney berth. Courtesy photo

How Pini’s forces will fare in the playoffs this month remains to be seen but a deep run is realistic.

And so are the goals she set at the start of the season.

“Our objectives early on were to be in the top 10 of the rankings, qualify and advance into the tourney, contend for the Bay State Conference’s Carey Division title and build team

chemistry on and off the field,’’ Pini said.

All those goals, she suggested “are realistic’’ and she can make that claim based on the strengths of her team.

“We’ve got a good field-hockey IQ and we’re skilled and athletic,’’ Pini said. “The girls are also instinctive and coachable and they’re adept with their decision-making. We lost eight seniors to graduation but we’ve got nine returnees who have experience.’’

The 30-year-old Pini, who played field hockey at Natick High School and Worcester State, knows that the playoffs can be surprising and also humbling. But, she also knows what the key ingredients are to succeed.

“Tourney survival is all about preparation, focus and staying healthy,’’ she said. “Perhaps the most important aspect is to show up on game day. That means to be in a serious mode, to be composed, and ready to execute.’’

Natick’s senior captains, Keira Mangan, Gabby Pini (no relation) and Catherine Catching, all play on the defensive end and are a terrific starting point when assessing the Redhawks’ talent. 

The coach also likes their leadership styles. “They lead by example, they’re supportive and they work well together,’’ she said.

Mangan is a right back, Pini plays center back and Catching is the left back.

“Keira is a very smart player who’s vocal and passionate about field hockey,’’ Pini said. “An intense competitor, she’s got good stick skills. Gabby is a solid three-year veteran who’s got a high field-hockey IQ, she’s well-skilled, has speed and quickness and is composed. Catherine is new to the defensive unit, having played forward before. She’s scrappy, instinctive, and always gives 100 percent.’’

Junior goalie Natalie Boyer, who’s started since she was a freshman, had eight shutouts last year. So far, she’s compiled nine shutouts this season. 

“Natalie keeps improving,’’ Pini noted. “She reacts quickly, has very good instincts, communicates well, is fast with her stick and is resilient.’’

The Redhawks have three junior midfielders who have good endurance and are smooth in handling the transition game. They include Ella Tarka (defensive center midfielder), Jolee Flynn (attacking center midfielder), and outside midfielder Ally Flynn (no relation).

“Ella has a high field-hockey IQ, good stick skills and is a fine decision-maker,’’ Pini offered. “She’s the leader of the midfield. Jolee (eight goals) is our fastest player, has quick hands and is very athletic. Another good decision-maker, she displays lots of power. Ally is very gritty and athletic and never gives up.’’

Sophomore Anna Potter and junior Caylee Lynch (six goals) competed as jayvees last year but now are playing center forward and left forward, respectively.

“Anna is strong and powerful,’’ Pini said. “An offensive threat, she’s quick to the cage and hungry to score. Caylee is a lefty whose style is unconventional. She never quits, is very quick and aggressive and eager to score. She’s a student of the game and strives to improve.’’

Pini also emphasizes that her assistant coaches are a big plus. They include a trio of varsity assistants (Erin Quirk, Lizzie Mazzola and Shelley Why); jayvee 1 coach Katie Grigley and her assistant (Molly Fair); and jayvee 2 coach Ann Burnes. 

“They’re all supportive, dedicated and knowledgeable,’’ Pini said.

Relying on a competitive philosophy that focuses on reaching one’s potential and enjoying sports, Pini believes that winning is the by-product of those aspects. “Sports also teach valuable life lessons,’’ she added. “And, those include overcoming adversity, being resilient, accepting responsibility, and being accountable. Other good lessons are learning to be good leaders, quality teammates and building lasting relationships.’’

A native of Natick, Pini played field hockey, ice hockey and softball at Natick High and was a senior captain in all three. She also was selected as female athlete of the year as a senior. 

Pini played field hockey (midfielder) and lacrosse at Worcester State. After graduating from college, Pini was hired at the Kennedy Middle School in Natick as a physical education instructor. Her first coaching post was as an assistant Fitchburg State for two years, then she assisted Burnes for two years at Natick High.

Pini’s style of field hockey leans towards a possession game with crisp passing and distribution. “We play with high intensity and a gritty nature,’’ she said.

Those two attributes will be keys in keeping Natick High’s field hockey program on an upward trajectory.