It’s always enjoyable for a team to be able to take a step back and look at the benefits of its hard work in practice, focus and dedication.

The Pennington field hockey team was afforded that luxury the week when the 11-2 Red Hawks were awarded the No. 1 seed in the upcoming Prep B state tournament.

“The number one spot is a nice nod to the team for a successful season to date,’’ said coach Kristin McCarthy. “They have worked very hard to earn their record. We do not look past any practice or game. It’s about staying committed to the process of being great every single day.  So to reward that approach with the No. 1 seed is awesome for the players.’’

Pennington’s only losses have come to a pair of national powers in Hill and Moorestown.

The Prep B tourney begins on Monday when Stuart (5-10-1) visits St. Elizabeth (7-8), with the Red Hawks taking on the survivor most likely on Friday.

The other semifinal game has No. 2 Montclair Kimberly (10-6) hosting No. 3 Morristown-Beard (5-7).

The state final is set for Monday, Oct. 27 at the site of the higher seed.

“As always, the emphasis for the first round will be on hard work, great ball movement, relentless defense and teamwork,’’ said McCarthy.  I’m so pleased with how the team is playing and how they have worked together all season to get to this point in the season. I couldn’t be more pleased, but also reflective of how our style of play truly represents the culture we’ve built at Pennington.’’

It’s a culture that has allowed the players to grow, learn and demonstrate leadership and a calmness on the field.

“This team embodies commitment to positivity, unity, and relentless effort,’’ McCarthy stated. “They show up for each other every single day, whether it’s during practice, in tough games, or in moments when leadership and composure matter most. Their energy and connection are contagious, and that’s what makes coaching them so rewarding.’’

The Red Hawks are led by one of the premier players in the region in senior Genevieve Vallieres, who is committed to the University of Louisville.

Vallieres has 25 goals and 13 assists this season and has 78 career goals and 28 career assists. There has been plenty of support as freshman Clara Meccage has 16 goals and eight assists and sophomore Brooke Flannery has eight goals and 10 assists.

The defense has been pretty special, too.

Over the last seven games, the Red Hawks have allowed three goals and have four shutouts. Junior Lillian Chiaravollati has allowed just nine goals and has a 1.33 goals against average. Four of those nine goals came to MAPL foe Hill, which is ranked No. 5 nationally.

“I have been most impressed with their grit, teamwork, and ability to rise together in key moments,’’ stated McCarthy. “We’ve seen different players and different combinations of players step up in every game, from our goalkeeper and defenders to our midfield and forwards, each taking turns carrying the team when needed. Every single player has contributed to our success, and that depth of trust and effort has defined our season. This team has great energy, believes in each other, and is ready to take on any opponent in the first round of states with confidence and heart.’’

It’s been an amazing season for Pennington and now it’s time to reap the rewards.

Prep A Seedings

The Prep A seedings were released this week and the state tournament begins on Wednesday when No. 4 Lawrenceville (3-9) hosts No. 5 Hun (7-4) and No. 3 Peddie (9-6) entertains No. 6 Blair (4-4).

The Big Red defeated Hun, 3-1, during the regular season and Peddie has yet to play Blair.

Pingry (10-3-2) is the top-seed and Kent Place (8-6) gained the No. 2 spot.