Field Hockey—Season Overview

WATERVILLE, Maine --- First-year head coach Tina Cormier takes over the Colby College field hockey team in 2011 and aims to rebuild the program.

The Mules finished 6-8 overall last year and missed out on the New England Small College Athletic Conference playoffs. Colby loses its top three scorers from that team, but the next seven leading scorers all return.

"The players are soaking in all the new information and are progressing really well," Cormier said. "We are seeing drastic improvements in their play and are really excited to compete for a spot at the NESCAC Championship."

Despite the loss of goaltender Liz Fontaine to graduation, Cormier said sophomore keeper Michelle Burt will fill in nicely. She saw limited minutes a year ago but is definitely ready for her opportunity, according to Cormier.  Senior goalkeeper Casey Atwater is looking for a quick recovery from an injury to help add  more depth to the goalkeeping unit.
 
"Michelle stepped up her play and is ready to help our team compete in the NESCAC," Cormier said. "She definitely could be one one of the top keepers in the conference."

The Mules will have an experienced defense in front of Burt. Sarah Falkof (4 assists), Caroline Chessare, and Kelly Roth started every game in which they played. Connie Jangro and Christina McCourt also will see time as will first-years Caroline Keaveney, Jessica Howerton, and Abby Fontaine.
 
Colby's midfield will have a nice mix of youth and experience. Lancaster and O'Brien will bring the veteran play, while sophomores Caitlin Murray, Natalie Fischer, and junior Lucy Gerrity all will start or see quality minutes. 

The Mules have great depth on the offensive line and will definitely be a threat.  Players that will see lots of action on the forward line are veteran players Courtney Erskine (3 goals), Charlotte Deavers, Sally Klose, along with Lauren Zion, Erika Johnson, and Cale Wardell. Kaitlyn O'Connell, Chase Healey, and Caiitlin Guiney are new players who could make an impact.
 
Cormier has a familiar face to help her as an assistant coach in Providence graduate Ashlyn Hudson.

"I'm very fortunate to have Ashlyn as my assistant," Cormier said. "She brings a lot of knowledge and passion for hockey. With her fun-loving personality, she has already added such an important piece to our program."

With experience all over the field and two-time All-New England Small College Athletic Conference selection Meryl Poulin '11 returning from injury, the Colby College field hockey team should be competitive in 2010.

Head coach Amy Bernatchez, back for her seventh year with the Mules, and Colby open with a tough assignment. The Mules visit seventh-ranked Trinity College at 11 a.m. Saturday in a NESCAC game. Five of the 10 conference teams are ranked in the top 14 of the national poll.

"The team chemistry is amazing and the energy and enthusiasm of the players is refreshing," Bernatchez said. "I'm very pleased to have (assistant coaches) Ashley Willoughby and Nellie Poulin on staff. Both bring so much knowledge and insight to the program."

The loss of Poulin for five games and another injury to leading scorer Heather Quadir '11 for four games hurt the Mules and the team finished last year at 6-8. Poulin, Quadir, and goaltender Liz Fontaine '11 will be the captains for Bernatchez this season.

Poulin's play in the central midfield will once again be a key for Colby. She had eight goals and 10 assists for a team-best 26 points during the 2008 season. Hannah O'Brien '12 will play the right midfield spot and Lucy Gerrity '13 is on the left side. First-year Erika Johnson will bring depth to the midfield and will come off the bench along with Connie Jangro '13.

Fontaine will start in goal for the third straight year and will have returning defenders Kelly Roth '12 at left back, Hali Castleman '11 on the right side, and Sarah Falkof '12 at sweeper. Caroline Chessare '13 played in all 14 games last year and will start this season at center back. Casey Atwater '12 and Michelle Burt '14 will play behind Fontaine in goal. First-years Christina McCourt and Natalie Fischer will help on defense, as will sophomore Lindsay Alston.

Quadir led the team in scoring last year with nine goals and four assists despite missing four games. She has 19 goals and 11 assists for 49 career points heading into her senior season. While Quadir roams the field at center forward, Caitlyn Lancaster '12 will play on the right side. Lancaster missed six games to an injury last year. Courtney Erskine '13 (4 goals, 2 assists) and Olivia Lattanzi '11 have looked good in the preseason at left wing. Lattanzi also can play center forward or in the midfield. Sally Klose '12 and first-year Charlotte Deavers also will see action on the forward line along with Lauren Zion '13 and Cale Wardell '13.