Kiersten Mulcare

HATFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Smith Academy's field hockey team is the top seed in the Division 2 Western Mass tournament. and their goalie Kiersten Mulcare is our 22News Athlete of the week.

"We're definitely a solid group back there.  We're really confident and we know exactly what the other person is going to do, we can definitely rely on each other", says Mulcare.

Mulcare anchors the Smith Academy defense, but she didn't always strap up as a goalie.

"When I was younger I started off as a forward/midfielder, because I used to love running, but we really needed a goalie.  So I tried it out and Ms. Webb said it was a good fit for me because I had quick feet", says Smith Academy's senior goalie.

For a field hockey goalie, footwork is the key to success. Mulcare has had plenty of it. Her teammates admire her play.

"I can't imagine who else would do a better job in goal because she's been in there for so long,", says senior midfielder Lindsay Gondek.  "She works so hard everyday for our team and she does make some clutch plays."

Mulcare is one of six senior captains on Smith Academy. They have been playing together since 7th grade and are a contender for the state title. They understand that one loss could mean the end of an era, but they're hoping that next loss never happens.

"Since we're finally seniors it's definitely a big step for us, its kind of shocking that we're finally seniors and everyone looks up to us, but were definitely ready for it", says Mulcare.

Smith Academy plays South Hadley for the Division II Western Mass championship on Saturday.