> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Field Hockey Notes: Goffstown excited for challenge of moving up to D1 - URL: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/field-hockey-notes-goffstown-excited-for-challenge-of-moving-up-to-d1/ - Published: 2024-09-15T22:30:05.000Z - Updated: 2024-09-15T22:30:05.000Z - Description: Every two years, the NHIAA resets its classification numbers for all sports, and some teams move up or down, based on enrollment or competition level. For the Goffstown High School field hockey team, those new numbers meant a bump up to Division I. It's something the Grizzlies have known about since - Author: Joe Marchilena - Tags: Fall Sports, Division I, Division II, Division III, field hockey, Field Hockey Notes, Goffstown, slider, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-18 04:44 Every two years, the NHIAA resets its classification numbers for all sports, and some teams move up or down, based on enrollment or competition level. For the Goffstown High School field hockey team, those new numbers meant a bump up to Division I. It's something the Grizzlies have known about since the end of last season, that they, along with Portsmouth, would be moving up for at least the next two seasons. If Goffstown was going to do it, coach Jess Brown was glad it would be with this current group. "I think this is an exceptional senior class for us," the Grizzlies coach said. "There was that reassurance that, if there was a year we’re going to do it, this was a great year to make that transition because we have that leadership and skill. We have great human beings who would fuel this campaign." With a dozen seniors on the roster, many of whom were varsity players last year, Goffstown entered the year already having great chemistry. "We have a big senior class," senior co-captain Avery Brisiel said. "I feel like our chemistry is there, we just need to utilize it to the best of our ability. There are a lot of familiar faces, we’ve just got to get to the point where we’re playing a hundred percent all the time." While there were some nerves that came with the thought of going up to D1, Brisiel and fellow senior co-captain Molly Braica, who is Goffstown's goalie, believed that was outweighed by the opportunity for the Grizzlies to challenge themselves. "I was very very nervous, but definitely quite excited," Braica said. "I’ve got so many field hockey friends (from playing club) and I’m just getting to play against more of them. That’s the way I’m choosing to see it. "We did really well in D2\. It was bound to happen at some point and I feel honored that it happened while we’re here." Brown anticipated there would be an adjustment period for most of the season, not only with new teams Goffstown would be facing, but with situations off the field. "It’s a lot of unknowns," the coach said. "The coaches in Division I have been so welcoming and thoughtful and have welcomed us with open arms. We’re going to have to figure things out as we go. Even just figuring out where the field is or how this plays, all those little details." The Grizzlies have had a tough go of it early on. After opening the season with a 2-0 win over Nashua North, Goffstown has dropped four in a row by an aggregate scored of 18-0, but that has come against teams with a combined record of 13-4. "I think we’re more excited than anything," Brisiel said. "We were hoping to be positive, less about winning and more about everyone keeping the energy up. It’s more of a challenge." ### Growing Pains The start to the season has been a little up and down for Derryfield, as the Cougars sit at 2-3 in Division II. In the two wins, Derryfield has scored nine goals and shut out both opponents; in the three losses, the Cougars have been outscored 7-0\. In two of those games, a 2-0 loss to Hollis Brookline and a 1-0 loss to Kennett, Derryfield struggled to create opportunities, finishing with zero and two penalty corners, respectively. "I think we do have a younger team, so we’ve got some players that are continuing to grow in that way," Derryfield coach Katie Bulk said. "Someone in our team talk said it’s developing that game IQ. We tried some younger players up on striker (Tuesday against Kennett) and they did great, but that instinct is something that needs to develop over time." Derryfield bounced back from that loss to Kennett with a 4-0 win over Laconia, but there is a tough stretch coming up for the Cougars. They'll play three straight road games at Souhegan (Wednesday), at Hanover (Friday) and at Merrimack Valley (Sept. 24). ### Big Monday The year is still young, but Monday's slate of games is shaping up to be one of the bigger days of the regular season. All 18 D1 teams are in action, with some heavyweight matchups on tap. Dover (4-1) heads to Londonderry (3-2) and Exeter (5-1) travels to Pinkerton (3-1), with both games set to start at 4 p.m. Then, for a nightcap, the last two undefeated teams in the division meet, with Bedford (5-0) hosting Keene (4-0) at 6:30 p.m. There are six more games in D2, highlighted by Souhegan (2-2) going to Kennett (3-2), the first time the two teams will meet in the regular season in almost two decades. And in D3, Bishop Brady (2-1) visits Hopkinton (1-2) and Kearsarge (2-1) hosts Mascenic (4-0).