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Konaxis, Beverly poised for breakout season

Saturday, December, 08 By Matt Williams
Staff writer

Three years ago, the start of Beverly High's girls co-operative hockey team meant a big change for Rachel Konaxis. She joined the squad after playing with the boys junior varsity team as freshman and made the switch from defense to center.

Fast forward to her senior season and not only has Konaxis come a long way, but the Panthers' program | which includes players from BHS, Danvers and Saugus | has grown by leaps and bounds.

"The level (of play) has skyrocketed," said Konaxis, who's been the Panthers' captain all three seasons. "The program has grown so much."

After winning just four games in its inaugural season, Beverly finished 7-11 a year ago and missed out on the state tournament by just two games. Despite losing some strong players in Elyse Citroni, Brianna Russo and Lauren Bolger, the Panthers have their eyes on a breakthrough season and the team's first ever postseason appearance.

"This team is the best that we've had so far," Konaxis said. "We definitely want to make the tournament | I think that's our No. 1 priority."

The Panthers mission begins tonight against Peabody (which co-ops with Bishop Fenwick and Essex-Aggie) at Stoneham at 6 p.m.

If they're able to take the next step competitively, it'll be because of the combination of experienced upperclassmen and newcomers who are ready to jump in right away. While players like Konaxis, junior assistant captain Rebecca Powers of Danvers and sophomore goalie Brianna Jackson bring plenty of experience to the table, the Panthers also have a number of players who skated for first time with the BHS squad and have steadily improved. Most importantly, they have a mix of experience and newcomers among this year's freshmen class.

"Girls hockey is at a level where you get players who are new to the sport, but you also get players who are experienced and can contribute right away. They have the skills," said Beverly coach Fiona Rice, who has headed the program since it's inception three years ago.

For Konaxis, who is closing in on 100 points after a 40 point sophomore season and scoring 30 a year ago, the initial adjustment to the girls' game wasn't a simple one. She'd been around hockey since before kindergarten, so being with players brand new to the sport was something of a shock.

"It was definitely a tough adjustment at first," she said. "Hockey is by far my most passionate sport and I was hesitant at first because boys hockey was all I knew and the girls game is much different. But (coach Rice) is one of the best I've ever had and she knows how to keep it positive no matter what. I'd much rather be with the girls at this point."

The cooperative nature of the Beverly program also adds a wrinkle that many on the team aren't used to. It's a vastly difference experience playing with other schools, especially for girls who play other sports during the year. But it's also a unique experience that helps bring the team together. "It's a different experience and something most people will never get," said Konaxis, who captained BHS' field hockey squad last fall. "I said to our coach recently that I think this team feels closer than others we've had and that's great."

On the ice, Konaxis and Powers will be the primary offensive threats and will likely play on different lines to give the Panthers some depth up front. Converted defenseman Katelyn DiSimone of Saugus should also contribute on the score sheet.

"We're anticipating having a strong first two lines," said Rice. "We're trying to spread it out a bit and Rachel is our anchor. She's the backbone of our offense and a leader on our team. She's grown a lot as a player."

Having Jackson | a Northeastern Conference all-star as a freshman | back between the pipes should give the team a boost while Corey Konaxis is a returnee in the back end. "(Brianna) is a huge part of our team. She's one of the best goalies around," said Konaxis.

Still, the biggest impact on the program has been the overall improvement in the skill level of both the veterans and the newcomers. In spite of their youth | the Panthers have just two seniors | the squad is expecting to reap the rewards of those skills.

"We have a lot of freshman, but their level of experience will be big," Konaxis said. "I'm excited."

With a strong foundation in place and many of the basics down, Beverly has more time to focus on strategy and some of the game's finer points.

"Right now, we're trying to learn our systems and when the girls come in with the skills you can do that," said Rice. "It's hard to say since we haven't played anybody yet, but I can see in that core younger group that it's getting more competitive."