Orono’s Jen Pelleriti key in field hockey championship

To say Orono High School’s Jen Pelleriti had a hand in Orono’s postseason drive to the Class C State Championship in field hockey would be a gross understatement.

Pelleriti accounted for most of Orono’s offense, and also played aggressive defense to help the fifth-seeded Red Riots shut out each of the four teams they played in their four postseason games.

For her impressive performance in the playoffs, Pelleriti won an Eastern Maine championship medal, state championship medal, and an individual honor as MIDWEEK’s Athlete of the Month.

The senior co-captain had three goals, including the only goal in a 1-0 overtime win over Hall-Dale of Farmingdale, and two assists in the four games. Orono, as a team, only had five goals and five assists in those same four games.

The offensive explosion in the playoffs surprised Pelleriti. Although she had a great regular season, her offensive production was only six goals and five assists. So what happened in the playoffs?

“I don’t know what it was, but I was a lot more intense in the playoffs,” said Pelleriti. “I didn’t even realize what my stats were until it was all over.”

That kind of disregard for personal stats is one of the big reasons for her own and Orono’s success, according to Dodi Saucier, Pelleriti’s head coach.

“She’s never looked at playing for individual honors,” Saucier said. “She’s never been one to hog the ball. She could have been, but her unselfishness was a big key for us this year.”

Success and Pelleriti are no strangers. This was the third straight year she was named to the Penobscot Valley Conference All-Star team, and her second straight year as an All-State pick.

The center midfielder has also attended Junior Olympics development camps the last two summers. In 1989, Pelleriti participated in D Camp, which is for high school players. This year, she jumped from D to C (college level), and then to B.

According to Pelleriti, 80 girls nationwide are invited to C Camp. Two players are picked for C Camp and two for B Camp. Players picked for B Camp have a chance to go to Olympic camp. Only five high school players made the B team this year.

So what is it that separates Pelleriti from other good players?

“I think I know the gameeriti.

Is that all?

“She has so much control and can assess game situations quickly,” Saucier said. “Her strength is really in her timing and technique.”

Pelleriti also credited her coach with helping her to develop her abilities.

“I owe Miss Saucier so much. I’ve known her since fifth grade, and to me, she’s just a great coach,” Pelleriti explained.

“I’m not going to take any credit for that,” said Saucier. “She was the one who took it all in and applied it.

“She has developed her potential better than anyone I’ve ever coached.”

Because of her success in field hockey and good grades, Pelleriti has attracted the interest of many top-flight colleges and university around the country. She has managed to narrow a fairly large list of choices down to two.

“My top choices are Duke and North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” Pelleriti said. “I want to go to a place where it’s a warmer climate, out of state, and where I’ll be comfortable.”

Pelleriti said she hasn’t decided on a major, but is interested in studying history, English or philosophy.

Whatever she decides on, Saucier knows Pelleriti will be successful.

“I think it’s a reflection of all the work she has put in,” Saucier said. “She’ll do fine in college, whatever she does.”