With All-American junior Wendy Bonner (Lexington, Mass.) back on offense and with a tough defense, Colby interim head coach Marcia Ingraham has plenty of talent to work with in 2003. Ingraham was the assistant coach last year after playing field hockey for the Mules from 1998-2001.

The Mules will look for more offensive balance this season. Bonner scored 12 of Colby's 24 goals last year and will be joined on the forward line this season by senior Sari Gilbert (Marblehead, Mass.), senior co-captain Brittney Lazar (Holden, Mass.), and junior Adrienne LeClair (Boxford, Mass.). Senior Kim Betz (Greenwich, Conn.) is out with an injury to start the season, but will be counted on for offense after scoring three goals last year.

Colby's defense will be experienced and a key part of the team in front of two first-year goalies. Junior sweeper Kristin Putnam (Sidney, Maine), junior Lauren Smith (Cohasset, Mass.), and junior Melissa Mullen (Green Township, N.J.) return in back. Sophomore Emily Tull (Duxbury, Mass.) was one of the first players off the bench last year and will be in the starting lineup this season.

"Smith and Mullen are excellent defenders, Putnam might be the best sweeper in NESCAC, and Tull saw a lot of time last year," Ingraham said. "We need to play tight defensively to protect our young goalies."

First-year keepers Molly Rice (South Portland, Maine) and Jess Laniewski (Duxbury, Mass.) are battling for the starting spot in goal. Meanwhile, classmate Kyla Wagman (Potomac, Md.) will be one of the first replacements off the bench for a defense that allowed just 15 goals in 15 games last year.

The Mules, who went 10-5 last year and made the NESCAC Tournament for the second straight year, also have midfield experience. Sophomore Nikki Stadelman (East Falmouth, Mass.) plays in the center after coming on strong at the end of last year. Senior co-captain Injoo Han (Montclair, N.J.), junior Michaelyn Bortolotti (Hanover, Mass.), and senior Kelly Welch (E. Dennis, Mass.) will also start or see quality time. First-year midfielder Chrissy Maloney (Wellesley, Mass.) should earn minutes as well.

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