Field hockey continues winning ways

By Paul Mullin

After compiling an impressive 14-6 record and advancing to the regular season championship, Head Coach Lori Hussong and her field hockey team hope to repeat that performance and make the final step to winning the championship.

“Our goal is always to begin the season with our best effort every game,” said Hussong.
The team ended on a high note at the end of last season, racking up seven conference wins against only one loss. And although she admits that this year’s team is “a little young” after losing nine starters in two years, she maintains high hopes for this season.

“It’s really a matter of getting our young kids meshed into the lineup,” Hussong explained.
Hussong stressed the issue of a cohesive, smoothly performing team as an important requirement for success.

“The team is very together,” she said. “It’s a close knit group, and that’s always been a strength of our program on and off the field.”

Senior goalkeeper Krista Bearish, who holds the record for wins as a keeper at Rider, finished last season with a .780 save percentage against all opponents, only letting by 22 goals all season.

Hussong mentioned seniors Meaghan Shweers, Ashley Boulden, and Liz Butterbaugh as other major components of this year’s team, for both their playing ability as well as their work ethic, which will play a major part in sculpting the young players on the team.

Stephanie Walker, a junior who led the team in scoring with 14 goals last season, and Tricia Crotty, a sophomore who compiled the best shot percentage on the team, also look to be big contributors.

Hussong looks forward to this season as another opportunity for accomplishment, as well as a chance to further improve upon the team’s considerable skill.

“Last season we had a tendency to sit back in the second half and let our opponents take control,” she said. “We just have to make sure we go out and play 70 minutes of hockey.”