KUTZTOWN, PA (September 2, 2010) – The years may change, but the expectations remain the same for the Kutztown University field hockey team.
With veteran coach Betty Wesner entering her 31st year, the Golden Bears expect to battle reigning NCAA Division II national champion Bloomsburg University for Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division supremacy.
The Golden Bears enter 2010 season looking to make a fourth consecutive trip to the PSAC playoffs, extend their streak of double digit winning seasons to seven and improve upon their 12 victories achieved last year. Kutztown also had a pair of five-game winning streaks during the season. One in September when it started the season by winning its first five games, including handing Bloomsburg its only defeat, and another five-gamer in October.
“This is a young, talented group of women with a lot of enthusiasm,” Wesner said. “Because of these qualities, I will expect nothing but their best effort. It is impossible to attain perfection, but, nevertheless, I will expect this and have it be our team goal as well.”
Offensively, the Golden Bears will turn to the duo of senior forward Abbey Sheeler and sophomore forward Jenna Gregory to lead them. The pair combined for 17 goals, 11 assists and 45 points. Gregory tied for second on the team in both goals (10) and points (24). The speedy forward scored two game-winning goals and added four assists. Meanwhile, Sheeler enters the season with 25 career goals.
Also expected to assist with some of the offensive load this season will be junior midfielder Kim Angstadt, sophomore Amy Dando, junior Brooke Mathews and junior forward Julie Rosenkaimer, who scored five goals last season, including the game-winner against No. 1 Bloomsburg. Angstadt was a first team all-PSAC East selection last year. She scored three goals, including a game winner, and handed out six assists. Angstadt also made one defensive save.
In addition to the returning offensive veterans, Wesner is looking for freshmen midfielders Erin Reynolds and Elly Skinner to make contributions.
“Our leadership is going to be the key this season especially since we are a team made up of mostly freshman and sophomores,” Wesner said. “To succeed this year, it will require leadership along with good role models both on and off the playing field. With returners Abbey and Jenna on offense, we are going to be looking for their leadership and knowledge to create offense for us and win us those games to get us to the playoffs.”
If the Golden Bears can score just enough goals, then Wesner believes her defense has the ability to make that advantage stand up. Leading the defensive returnees is junior Katie Brautigan. With a team-leading seven defensive saves last season, Brautigan will anchor the defensive unit. Kutztown posted one shutout and had nine games where it allowed one goal last season. Sophomores Megan West and Molly Senft are experienced players, who should help make the defense stronger.
Junior goalie Emily Falko started 17 games in 2009 and finished with 102 saves.
“The defense should be our strength. I believe with our seasoned returners in these key areas we will do fine,” Wesner said. “If our offense can win us games in regular season, then I believe our defense will win us championships. We just need to get there.”
The Golden Bears have a talented group of freshmen and one transfer that should battle for playing time and push the veterans during preseason camp. Kutztown’s incoming class includes Samantha Carberry, Giovanna Genoese, Megan Johnson, Jamie Koenig, Brittany Krall, Kelly McCartin, Kelsey McFoy, Allyson Moody.
In addition, Imani Ferguson is a transfer from American International College where she played in 18 games and registered one goal and one assist with a total of three points.
“The freshmen are extremely talented and have lots of experience both outdoor/indoor and on club teams,” Wesner said. “I feel that many of them could make an immediate impact on the team. We are really looking forward to having them be a part of our program.”
The conference race will be wide open this season with everybody fielding talented teams. Bloomsburg will have a new coach. Millersville, East Stroudsburg and C.W. Post will all be formidable this season. The Golden Bears start the season with three consecutive home matches beginning with Slippery Rock in their opener on Saturday, September 11 at 11:00 a.m.
--KU--