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They endured a change in their style of play.

They played on a dripping-wet day.

And they faced two teams predicted to be in the running to go all the way.

But no obstacle seemed to slow former Wyoming Seminary teammates Kat Sharkey of Moosic and Kelsey Kolojejchick of Larksville as they help the streaking United States women’s field hockey team make a strong push toward an Olympic medal.

“We are thrilled that Kelsey is a member of this team,” Jim and Doreen Kolojejchick, Kelsey’s parents, said in an email after watching every game of Team USA’s 4-0 run from the stands in Rio. “They have the right mindset and are united. That is the difference right now.”

It could become a major factor in the United States achieving a long-sought Olympic medal after the team already secured a spot on Monday’s Olympic quarterfinal round.

And both Kolojejchick and Sharkey have been critical keys in helping team USA to an unbeatable start entering Saturday’s 5 p.m. showdown with 4-0 Great Britain in a game that will decide which team finishes at the top of the Group B standings.

Kolojejchick set up one goal for the USA, just missed scoring with two other shots and earned her cap – by playing in her 100th international game – as the United States swept through its first week of Olympic games.

Sharkey made two passes that turned into USA goals and has been a dynamo in creating scoring chances around the cage.

“If she isn’t open to shoot, she will look to find the player who is open,” Kat’s mom Anne Sharkey, also in the field hockey stands at the Rio Olympics, said in an email. “I think Kat is doing a great job as striker. During the past three games, she is receiving passes and advancing the ball well and taking shots if she is open. Also, winning corners and setting up goals.”

Once curious element is missing, though.

Both players made their reputations off their uncanny shooting ability, yet neither has scored through the first four Olympic games.

“It would be wonderful if Kelsey could score an Olympic goal,” Jim Kolojejchick said by email. “She has come close and almost did it (Wednesday) on the penalty corner. But if she doesn’t it’s only important that Team USA is putting in the goals!”

Sharkey’s parents feel the same way.

“Kat is an incredible team player who’s always looking for opportunities for the team to score,” Tom Sharkey said through email. “Especially in these Olympic Games, she’s been successful in making the perfect pass and/or winning a corner to set up USA’s scores.”

Mainly, the two Sem graduates have been instrumental in making sure Team USA’s opponents don’t put the ball in the cage. Both girls transitioned their attacking offensive games to a defensive-minded style that has sparked the team to a combined score of 9-1 in two straight victories over Japan and India, including the first shutout of the Olympics for USA goalie Jackie Briggs during Thursday’s 3-0 domination of India.

“Kat is an extremely talented defensive player on the press, very skilled, and created several turnovers and/steals,” Tom Sharkey emailed. “She prides herself on her defensive skills in addition to her offense.”

Those ball-stopping skills didn’t disappear for either girl, even during Wednesday’s rainy 6-1 victory over Japan.

“Kelsey has played in all types of weather over the years, snow, rain and heat,” Jim Kolojejchick emailed. “She is mentally tough and doesn’t let weather affect her game making her a good mudder. Our team plays various styles depending on the opponent. Kelsey loves to be aggressive offensively but can also play an aggressive defensive role shutting down their offense.”

An injury earlier in the week didn’t slow down Kelsey either. She bounced back up after spending a few minutes on the ground after a hard collision with Australia’s goalie in Monday’s game. She’s been playing with her right knee wrapped ever since.

“I do know Kelsey’s knee was very sore from the collision,” Doreen Kolojejchick emailed. “The training staff did all they could to keep her knee flexible. I am very proud how she managed the pain and with her performance. She is tough and did not seem to let the injury bother her. She made long runs and sprinted at top speed. I was very pleased.”

That type of desire and effort that allowed the fifth-ranked United States team to upend both world No. 2 Argentina and No. 3 Australia in its first two games.

“We are not surprised about their success in Rio,” Anne Sharkey emailed, “because we know this team is driven, determined and have been giving it their all for four years to achieve their dream. We are extremely proud of the efforts put forth by Kat and the whole team. They are moving closer to achieving their goal.”

And even the parents are moving closer to stardom.

NBC cameras caught the parents of both Sharkey and Kolojejchick cheering for Team USA in the stands during separate games in the tournament’s first week.

“No we don’t feel like stars,” Anne Sharkey emailed. “We are just grateful for the coverage of field hockey. The sport is finally attracting a larger audience, because of NBC’s fan-friendly times of the games. We heard that there are many viewing parties when the games are on, and that’s just amazing.

“And I don’t think Kat and Kelsey and the rest of the team disappointed anyone watching.”

Former Wyoming Seminary star Kat Sharkey (24), of Moosic, has given Team USA and the Wyoming Valley something to cheer about by helping the United States go 4-0 through the first week of Group B pool play in the Rio Olympics.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_USAFH-Japan.jpg.optimal.jpgFormer Wyoming Seminary star Kat Sharkey (24), of Moosic, has given Team USA and the Wyoming Valley something to cheer about by helping the United States go 4-0 through the first week of Group B pool play in the Rio Olympics. Dario Lopez-Mills | AP photo

Former Wyoming Seminary star Kelsey Kolojejchick, at left, earned her cap with her 100th international competition on Monday in a game against Australia.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_kolo-australia.jpg.optimal.jpgFormer Wyoming Seminary star Kelsey Kolojejchick, at left, earned her cap with her 100th international competition on Monday in a game against Australia. Hussein Malla | AP photo

By Paul Sokoloski

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Reach Paul Sokoloski at 570-991-6392 or on Twitter @TLPaulSokoloski