Millersville, Pa. – Despite the late summer heat surrounding Chryst Field, the Millersville field hockey team began preseason workouts for the 2010 campaign with its first practice Monday afternoon. The squad will continue to practice three times a day for the remainder of the week until it hosts an exhibition game with Red Rose on Saturday, Aug. 21.
Having lost All-America honorees Krista Bupp and Kristie Testa, along with All-PSAC East First Team selection Meredith Dolinger, third-year head coach
Shelly Behrens claims she is still “one of the happiest coaches in America.”
The young Marauder team returns standouts
Melissa McCarthy and
Maria Thompson, both of whom were named to the All-PSAC East Second Team as freshmen last season. McCarthy, a forward, was also selected to the womensfieldhockey.com All-Rookie Team.
Among the strength of the returners are senior forward
Emily Woodland and former Rookie of the Year, junior goalkeeper
Sara Dickinson. Woodland, a two-year starter, ranked second on the team during the 2009 season with 18 points. Aside from her five goals scored – four of which were unassisted – Woodland’s biggest force is her ability to hand out assists. Woodland totaled a team-high eight helpers last season.
Dickinson enters her third year with the Marauders as a two-year starter. She registered three shutouts in 2009 and combined 107 saves for a 5.63 saves per game average.
“We have a lot of great leadership on the team, and it’s great to see the freshman come out to practice and not be timid,” said Thompson. “Their energy really pumps everyone up and gets everyone excited.”
Behrens, whose team posted a final mark of 9-10 and ranked tenth in the nation overall last year, believes her squad’s dedication and work ethic will make the Marauders a high contender around the conference.
“We don’t waste time around here,” Behrens said. “I told the girls – when we’re on the practice field there is no time to get adjusted. We go play, and we play hard.”
The 2010 lineup will see its first game-type atmosphere very quickly, as Behrens has scheduled a scrimmage only six days into preseason.
The match-up is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m.