The girls ice hockey team at Somerset Berkley does a co-op with Bishop Stang and are doing incredible this season. They often don’t get recognition and I think it’s important to highlight the success that they had this year. They are on a roll and have had many exciting championship matches. As said by Peyton Morosco the team has worked incredibly hard throughout the season in preparation for the state tournament games. Many of the teams we’ve faced have underestimated us, thinking it would be an easy win, but they were mistaken. Our game on Sunday is the championship game, and the winner will be crowned the number one team in Division 1 girls’ ice hockey in Massachusetts. We will be playing against Hingham, who is currently ranked number one in the state, while we, Bishop Stang, are ranked 15th overall for this season. However, the rankings don’t matter now, as we have consistently shown that we deserve to compete against the best teams in the state. This season, we have faced a challenging schedule that has brought us closer together as both a team and a family. The Bishop Stang Spartans are ready for this game! I’m excited to hear the enthusiasm from Peyton and wish the team best of luck. I asked all the girls who play ice hockey from Somerset a couple of questions so we can get to know them better, so let’s hear what they have to say
Why did you choose to play this sport or what encouraged you to begin?
Peyton Morosco– I decided to play high school girls hockey because this sport has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It holds so many cherished memories for me, and I truly love being on the ice.
Julie Pacheco– I grew up in a hockey family so I’ve just been playing my whole life. I definitely looked up to my older brothers growing up around the game.
Meghan Costa– My grandfather always shares stories of him at a young age skating on ponds and messing around with his friends so that made me want to try out skating along with the push that my mom gave me to get on the ice.
Adrienne Norcott– My dad grew up playing ice hockey and my mother field hockey. I was first introduced to the sport through roller hockey, as it was pretty big in my hometown in California. I started playing ice hockey once I moved to Washington because my dad found a town team that I could join.
What do you think is your greatest strength as an athlete?
Peyton Morosco- My work ethic and my speed
Julie Pacheco- I’m very coachable and have a good hockey sense.
Meghan Costa- I’m a good leader and I am very open to learning and getting better.
Adrienne Norcott- My persistence, determination, and leadership.
Who is your favorite ice hockey player?
Peyton Morosco- Marc Andre Fleury also known as “Flower”
Julie Pacheco- Hannah Bilka (PWHL Boston Fleet)
Meghan Costa- Kendall Coyne (PWHL Minnesota Frost)
What is your favorite memory so far in your hockey career?
Peyton Morosco- One of my favorite memories has to be those moments before the game in the locker room. It’s really special to hear everyone sharing their personal goals and the team goals we’re all striving to achieve together. It creates a sense of unity and support that really resonates with me.
Julie Pacheco- I’d have to say this whole season. We have really come together as a team and keep improving each game. We’ve broken so many school records and are looking forward to playing at TD Garden for the championship.
Meghan Costa- My favorite memory so far has just been making history. This team has come a long way since my freshman year and it is so beyond exciting that we are getting a chance at a State Championship Title.
Adrienne Norcott- My favorite memories are of the friends I’ve made throughout the years I’ve played. I’ve made my best friends through hockey, and they are what keeps me going both on and off the ice.
How do you prepare yourself before a big game?
Peyton Morosco- I eat good food and listen to music to lock in for the game ahead.
Julie Pacheco- I like to re-tape my stick, maybe write a quote or a message in the bottom of it, and put some scented wax on there for better puck grip.
Meghan Costa- I try to do the same routine as every game so when I show up to the rink no matter how nervous or excited I am to play I know what I have to get done.
Adrienne Norcott- I’m a person of habit, so before every single game I get a refresher and a croissant from Dunkin, retape my stick, and listen to “Don’t Drop That Thun Thun” while stickhandling.
How do you think you can recruit more people to play ice hockey next year?
Peyton Morosco- Girls ice hockey is such a wonderful sport, and I’ve truly cherished the friendships I’ve formed throughout my hockey journey. It’s heartwarming to realize that we don’t just play as a team; we become a family, supporting and lifting each other up both on and off the ice.
Julie Pacheco- The outcome of our season this year alone would definitely be a huge influence on playing hockey. It’s amazing how our 10 school co-op has gotten so much chemistry and culture.
Meghan Costa- The bond that I’ve made with the girls on this team is truly like no other and you just become a family and it is such a special thing to be a part of.
Adrienne Norcott- After our historical run this season, I think it’s pretty evident that our team has an incredible bond and culture. Everybody should get to experience the love that teammates have for each other, and I hope that inspires other girls to want to join.
What are some of the pros and cons of playing ice hockey?
Peyton Morosco- Pros: There have been so many wonderful friendships formed, numerous team dinners shared, and countless memories created. It’s truly amazing to reflect on all the experiences we’ve had together. I could talk about them for hours.
Cons: It takes a lot of time and effort to improve on your game and skills and sometimes you have to make sacrifices.
Julie Pacheco- Pros: So many memories made, friends gained, and lessons learned.
Cons: It’s a big commitment and can be very straining.
Meghan Costa- Pros: Such a fun experience and you truly meet some of your best friends because we are together so much as a team. Coaches provide so much knowledge and become mentors to you.
Cons: It takes a lot of time management skills.
Adrienne Norcott- Pros: all of my friends, huge lessons about determination, perseverance, leadership, and comradery are learned, and being a part of something bigger than myself
Cons: The burnout, the strain of balancing both school and hockey, and the lack of time off
