The sound may be a loud, dull thud.

But that noise is music to the ears of Lauren Marks.Those attending Lehighton field hockey games this past season heard the whack often, usually because of the junior forward."I get chills when I hear (the ball) hit off the backboard," Marks said."There's just a lot of adrenaline (when I score) … and I feel like I'm doing something to help the team."Marks "helped" the team an impressive 22 times this past season, accounting for 41 percent of her team's tallies.Her scoring not only contributed to the Indians finishing runner-up at districts and reaching the state playoffs, but it also earned her the Times News Field Hockey Player of the Year."(My first thought when I hear the words field hockey is) the cage," Marks said. "I really don't have any special moves or shots, I just try to get it in any way I can."Speed definitely helps, because when you're one-on-one with the goalie it's a lot easier."The thought of Marks coming in alone must strike fear with most cage keepers, as the soft-spoken offensive force usually finishes strong when given a scoring chance.While her quickness allows her to pull away from defenders, she also knows what to do once she enters the circle."Along with great speed, Lauren has the ability to quickly change direction while maintaining possession of the ball," Indian head coach Karen Wall said. "She works the ball close to the goal cage and then fights to get off her shot. She will also follow up and play the rebound off the goalie's pads."The 22 goals Marks scored were 15 more than any other player on Lehighton's team.But entering the season, personal achievements were the furthest thing from her mind."I really didn't have any individual goals, I just wanted to make it to states," said Marks, who also had four assists. "That was our main goal. We made it to districts, and then got to states and had two games at states. That was uplifting."Marks was obviously key in helping Lehighton reach the postseason, but she also made her presence felt during the playoffs.In the district semifinals, her overtime tally against Pen Argyl gave the Indians a 3-2 victory and a berth in the finals. In the opening round of states, Marks provided the only goal in a 1-0 win over Quakertown."Lauren was a key component of our offense all season long," Wall said. "However, her postseason play really helped get us as far as we did."There are a few (moments of Lauren that stand out from this season). However, the overtime in the district semifinals against Pen Argyl is the one that stands out the most."Speaking of memories, Marks reflected on her field hockey beginnings - something that almost never happened."I started playing field hockey in seventh grade," the daughter of Sherri and Joe Marks said. "My dad urged me to play. I didn't even know much about (field hockey) until seventh grade."He's one of my biggest influences in sports. My mom supports me, but my dad knows what I'm capable of and pushes me to be the best I can be. I'm not sure if I ever would have gone out for field hockey (if it wasn't for him)."Many of her teammates are glad she joined the sport, and the feeling is mutual."I feel like we're a big family, and they are like my family," she said. "I feel like I can go to them besides just field hockey, and I can depend on them."We're friends on and off the field, for sure."Eight of those teammates will graduate in the spring, and won't be a part of the squad next year. That will force Marks to add another role to her resume."I believe that Lauren will continue to get better," Wall said. "She will need to take on more of a leadership role on the field."Lauren is a coachable student-athlete. She takes and implements direction well. She knows what she needs to do and does it. She also demands a great deal from herself in a game.""I want to improve my skills, and maybe try to score more than 22 goals next year," Marks said. "And get to states again."