By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Tioga field hockey coach Aubrey Worthing is glad to be back on the field in preparation for the 2026 season, but even happier about her program's numbers.
"It's so good to be back on the field.
"We have 15 this year, which is the most we've had in quite a few years," said Worthing. "We have four 8th-graders this year that we moved up.
In each of her first four season, Worthing had 11 or 12 players on her roster.
The modified numbers are even better.
Worthing said the main focus of the preseason has been finding leaders for a young team.
"Like I said, we have four 8th-graders, but we have no seniors," she said. "We have quite a young group, so I think leadership has been a big talk so far this preseason.
"And then as always, the conditioning is always a big part of our preseason," noted Worthing. "Although we do have subs this year, which makes it easier.
"And then, we're focusing on the commitment part and showing up and being ready to go every time we get on the field," Worthing added.
Worthing said the team had a good summer.
"All four of our 8th-graders are playing travel," she said. "And we had a pretty good turnout this summer, too, for the summer league.
"So we had some girls with their sticks in their hands already this summer," added Worthing. "That will be a big benefit for us."
Tioga will open the season in the Tioga County Tournament, which also includes SVEC, Newark Valley, and Owego.
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IN PHOTO 1: Tioga coach Aubrey Worthing. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
