AUBURN – It doesn’t require too much thinking to realize that Gina Gaetani is a team player. The Edward Little field hockey squad feels fortunate to have her on its front side.

The senior forward led the Red Eddies in scoring last year and has already found the back of the cage several times this month. Edward Little has won five games and is on track to exceed the nine wins it had in 2003.

“I’m more of a team player. I love to work hard with my teammates to meet a common goal,” Gaetani said. “I have a strong love for the game. It requires patience and good camaraderie from all the players.”

Gaetani is convinced the team has the chemistry necessary to advance further in the postseason. Still, everyone is aware that one or two ill-timed injuries or distractions could derail the plans.

“We have set a high, but reasonable goal for ourselves,” Gaetani said. “That is to make it to the Eastern championship game. If we work hard and don’t give up and play as a team, I don’t see why we can’t meet our goals.”

Two years ago, Edward Little won the Western regional championship for the first time in more than a decade.

Edward Little has developed a solid offense and that depth is no exception this fall. Gaetani is a cog in that wheel. She has also played in the midfield this year.

“Gina is very quick, very aggressive,” EL coach Greg Perkins said. “She can play 60 minutes and never gets tired even though she is running the whole time.”

Perkins is impressed with Gaetani’s game sense. She can recognize the different situations and make the proper adjustments. Gaetani is complemented by the presence of Kristin Keene. The duo are first and second in scoring.

Against Oxford Hills, the teams were scoreless and overtime was anticipated before Gaetani scored off a penalty corner, with no time left in regulation.

“By having most of the offense back it has helped us out,” Gaetani said. “Most of us have been playing together throughout high school. By playing with each other for so long we can read each others movements and know what play to make next. We know that our defense will back us up if we slip up, which allows us to be more aggressive offensively.”

Their scoring opportunities are largely made possible by the play of Brittany Roberge and Katie Hughes in the midfield.

“They are very important,” Perkins said. “Kristin and Gina would never get the ball because those two are the ones who get the ball up to the forwards. At the same time, Gina is a good leader. She is a vocal captain, but is always positive with her encouragement. She brings energy and experience to the forward line.”