Upper Perkiomen's new field hockey coach hopes to rely on a new system and focus on competition to get back to the Pioneer Athletic Conference playoffs. After one

Julia Traynor, foreground, dribbles the ball during prac- tice.

week of practice, Meghan Griffin says her young roster, which features mostly sophomores and freshmen, has already made significant strides.

            "It's going really well," Griffin said.

            Four seniors and five juniors have taken an active leadership role, according to the coach. She said their input has helped the younger players make significant strides.

            "It's only been a week," Griffin said. "Some of the ninth graders look completely different."

            The new head coach has installed a new system that encourages its midfielders and defenders to generate more offensive opportunities. Her philosophy stresses constant completion during games and practices.

            "It's the best way to improve," Griffin said. "I don't want anyone going through the motions thinking their spot is secure."

            Griffin, who succeeds Jamie Warren, is only four years removed from competing in college at Mansfield University. A 2016 graduate of Pennridge High School, she started every game of her career for the Mountaineers. She registered 14 goals and 10 assists and served as a captain during her senior season.

            She spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Eastern University. Griffin, who recently completed a Master's degree in school psychology, is currently fulfilling an internship in the North Penn School District.

            The Indians, who open their schedule on Aug. 25 on the road against Radnor, have a good chance to record their fifth consecutive Frontier Division title and compete for their fourth conference title in five seasons, according to Griffin. She says she doesn't see any weaknesses on the roster.

            "I definitely think, with our personnel and the way they have been improving, we have a good shot at getting pretty far," the new coach said. "Passing has been a strength so far."

            Griffin has encouraged her players to pass the ball to open spaces as opposed to teammates. The Tribe's defensive approach should feature a more aggressive style.

            "The girls are working very hard adapting to what we want to implement," the coach said.

            Seven players return from the team that captured its fourth straight division title but failed to secure its fourth consecutive conference championship. Juniors Jade and Julia Traynor, along with senior Mia Schneider, are their most accomplished players.

            Last season, Jade Traynor earned First Team All-Frontier Division honors as a defender. Julia Traynor and Schneider were named to the second team as an attacker and a midfielder, respectively.

            Griffin credited the contributions of Schneider and her classmates Caitlin Compton, Ava Hengeveld and Molly O'Hara, along with juniors Maguire Simms, the Traynor twins, Gabby Lash and Ava Frantz for guiding - and at times, correcting - the actions of the program's ninth and 10th graders which include at last 12 in each class.

            "They have all been super helpful," the coach said. "They really want to win."

            Hengeveld and Ryan Sanfeliece, a ninth grader, will share time in net, according to Griffin. She described Sanfeliece as very skilled and Hengeveld as seasoned.

            "Hopefully they can learn from each other," the coach said.

            Burgundy Gahman, a ninth-grader, will likely start the season at midfield. According to Griffin, speed is a significant part of her game.