Balance, unselfish play and strong defense were hallmarks of last year’s Southern Regional field hockey squad. Expect much of the same from head coach Denise Newill’s Rams this fall.

“I’m expecting a competitive run through the A South division with the goal of bringing the championship back to Southern,” said Newill, whose team opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 3 against Toms River East. “The other goals are to make deep runs in the postseason tournaments.”