There was some uncertainty when the season started surrounding the Notre Dame field hockey team, but heading to a sectional semifinal the Irish have shown to be a title contender. Despite losing a few players before the season started, the Irish banded together and have put together one of their most successful season in many years. They will look to continue it in Monday’s Non-Public South semifinal against St. Joseph’s (Hammonton) at 4 p.m. on the ND turf. The No. 2 Irish (15-3) advanced with a 5-1 win over St. Rose and No. 3 St. Joseph’s (13-6-2) edged Bishop Eustace, 2-1. The other semifinal has No.1 Camden Catholic facing No. 4 Trinity Hall. “This season has been such a blessing,’’ said ND coach Cheryl Harris. “The players have embraced teamwork and genuinely care about each other success on and off the field. This season has taught me that anything is possible if you believe.’’ The Irish, who are the Colonial Valley Conference Colonial Division champion, started adding believers early in the year with wins over Allentown, Princeton and Hopewell Valley. One of their most impressive characteristics has been the tenacity that they bring to the circle, which is bolstered by a very talented group around the cage. Ellie Marrone leads with 24 goals and 12 assists, Emma McVey adds 18 goals and six assists, Elana Ruppersberger has 11 goals and seven assists, Victoria Suschke has nine goals and 11 assists, Clementine Bowden has nine goals and 10 assists and Marie Conway leads in assists with 13. Adriana Tattoli stepped in and has been solid in the cage, Kayla Delehanty is a standout defender along with Grace Marrone, Margaret Harding and Gabrielle Almanzor and others. St. Joseph’s comes in riding a 6-game winning streak and are facing the Irish for the third time in tourney play. The Wildcats have won both games by shutout. “We have played St. Joe’s in the past and I always wondered how things would go differently if we played at our home field,’’ said Harris. “Back then it was a grass field.  Having home field advantage is key when we are facing this level of competition. We will have our fans cheering us on and the familiarity of our field will work on our favor.’’ Emmah Devlin leads the Wildcats with 26 goals and 22 assists, Stella Devlin has 23 goals, Shayla Malone has 13 goals and a team high 16 assists and Miranda DiGerolamon has 11 goals. “I remember they had some big hits and were a strong team,’’ recalled Harris.  “I believe they now play their home games on turf, so we won’t have the advantage of playing a field team on our turf.  I know they will be tough team to beat, but we are up for the challenge.’’ The Irish have answered every challenge, been an opportunistic group and one that is relentless in the circle. “We need to play our passing game,’’ stated Harris. “We need to listen to one another on the field. We need to want this and come out strong and leave it all on the field.’’