Aug. 25, 2006
A new look will take hold of the 2006 Fairfield University field hockey team, and we're not just talking about a change in uniforms. Head Coach Jackie Kane brings nine newcomers to the 2006 roster, a group that she hopes will mesh with a list of 15 letter winners.
While seniors are in short supply on this year's roster, Caitlin Quinn and Courtney O'Connor have been regulars in the lineup for the last three years and offer their teammates a great deal of experience both up front and in the back. Quinn anchored the defense last year, serving her teammates as a defender and as a midfielder. One of the team's best all-around players, Quinn tallied two goals and an assist last season. O'Connor's ability to fill passing lanes and anticipate plays allows her to shut down the opponent's offense, and start counter attacks. Her value will be immeasurable and instrumental in any success this season.
Four juniors return for the 2006 campaign, all of whom should make a direct impact. Elizabeth Thomas and Lauren Callahan have shared the goaltending duties throughout their two years in a Fairfield uniform, a trend that should continue this season. The duo nearly split the minutes down the middle last season, with Callahan playing 718 minutes compared to Thomas' 650. The juniors were almost identical in other statistical categories, including saves and goals against average. Callahan registered 61 saves and a 2.24 goals against average, while Thomas tallied 54 saves and a 2.37 average.
Chelsea Hicks is a solid defender, who has also played midfield and forward. Last season, she scored a goal and an assist in her 19 appearances. Hicks' versatility gives the coaching staff a reliable individual who provides dependable play everywhere on the field. Lauren Keith gained experience with four appearances last season, and looks to build upon that experience with the hopes of more minutes in 2006.
The sophomore class lists nine players for the upcoming campaign, and includes several players who were regulars in the lineup as rookies. Four players in this class appeared in at least 18 games, namely Brittany Bates, Wendy Carbone, Amy Hosking, and Emily Janis.
Bates was one of the first players off the bench last season, often bolstering the team's offensive attack. She ranked second among her classmates with four total points, netting a goal and two assists in 18 games. Hosking also secured time in 18 contests a year ago, splitting time between forward and midfield. She was a key player in the center of the field, and helped shut down any offensive progress around the midfield stripe.
Carbone and Janis were the only two freshmen to play in all 19 games last season. Carbone was part of the team's defensive unit that allowed one goal or less in six games. She could challenge for a starting role with a solid pre-season camp. Janis was the top scoring freshman with 14 total points. The forward netted six goals during the year, which included two game-winning goals. She also secured a pair of assists, which tied her for third on the team for that category. The coaching staff points to Janis as this year's top offensive threat.
Kristin McManus also became a frequent addition to the lineup last year, gaining entry to 13 outings. The defender gives the team depth in the defensive third of the field, and will be among a select group of players vying for a starting position. Forward Amanda Love picked up playing time as a reserve in 2006, appearing in five games. Love has the ability to move into a bigger role for the upcoming year, and could boost the team's offensive threat as reserves.
Molly Byrnes will contend for playing time this season. Byrnes is an offensive player who has a quick, accurate shot that could result in more scoring opportunities this year.
All three field positions will benefit from Coach Kane's freshman class, which includes two or more players at forward, midfield, and defense. The coaching staff believes this class has the talent and experience to move into the lineup early in the campaign.
Brittany Smith, Kylie Jelley, and Tara Walsh are looking for minutes at the forward position. Smith earned four varsity letters at Granby Memorial High School, where she captured the 2005 co-most valuable player award. A three-time National Futures Tournament participant, she led Granby to three conference and two state titles.
Jelley was a three-sport student-athlete at Northfield Mount Vernon School, playing for the field hockey, softball, as well as the track and field teams. A Futures Program participant, Jelley has the experience to make a run at a position in the midfield or up front. Walsh came to Fairfield University after a successful career at the Berkshire School where she earned varsity letters with the field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse teams. She led the team in scoring as a senior, a trend which the coaching staff hopes can continue this year.
The midfield area is well covered by the addition of Paxton Delany, Carly McCullough, and Ashley DiDonato. All three players were selected to play in the National Futures tournament, experience that should help them collect quality minutes this year.
Delany tallied 126 total points during her career at The Covenant School. She registered a career-high 44 points as a senior, which helped her earn All-State and All-League honors. McCullough played four seasons at Queensbury High School where she received All-State and All-Star honors as a senior. She was named the team's most valuable player in her senior campaign.
DiDonato came to Fairfield after earning All-Ohio honors at Upper Arlington High School. She secured three most valuable player awards during her career, and captured All-League honors all four years.
On the defensive side of the field, Sarah Borton and Katherine Donovan will bolster the team's back field. Borton played for the number two team in the country (ranked by circle.com) at Wyoming Valley West High School. A three-year starter, Borton was named team captain as a senior and led the team to the District runner-up title. Donovan earned the best defense award four times at Branford High School and received two most valuable player awards.
The Stags will play another competitive schedule that will include regionally ranked programs once again. In addition to its usual difficult non-conference slate, Fairfield will play another compliment of games against the Northeast Conference.
With a talented group of freshmen and experienced returning players, the Stags appear poised for another successful season in 2006.
