Bucknell University Athletics
Youthful Bucknell Field Hockey Team Opens 2002 Season with Busy Weekend
8/28/2002 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 28, 2002
If one were to take a close look at the 2002 Bucknell field hockey roster, they might be quick to utter the familier cliche` of, "...it's a rebuilding year." Ask Head Coach Heather Lewis, who returns for her 11th season, and you'll find quite the contrary, "You can look at 2002 in two very distinct ways, either inexperienced or youthful. I choose the latter. The subtle difference in definition can have significant results on the playing field."
While the Bison of '02 return only five players with significant game experience, the nucleus of their roster is a very athletic and equally talented group of underclassmen. In addition to 14 returning upperclass athletes, Lewis will welcome 10 newcomers in the Class of 2006. "Certainly, I am not one to underestimate the importance of experience. However, one cannot discount the youthful exuberance this team will bring to the field every day," comments Lewis. She goes on to suggest that no one should count the Bison out just yet, "If you look at this league, a number of teams have been hit hard by graduation. Success in '02 will be dependent on which team is unified in their quest for excellence. And, that will certainly include having the togetherness to overcome all adversity a season can provide."
The "new-look" Bison open their 2002 campaign with back-to-back games this weekend, first against Central Michigan at Lock Haven's Charlotte Smith Field Saturday at 1 p.m., then back home against Monmouth on Sunday at 2 p.m. A season-opening run of four games in seven days continues next Wednesday against Drexel (at St. Joesph's) and Sept. 7 against Patriot League rival Colgate in Lewisburg.
While Lewis will rely on a number of underclassmen this season, she has the comfort of knowing her center midfielder, or the "quarterback" of the team, returns for her final season as a Bison. Amy Marvel, a four-year starter in the middle of the field, returns as one of three tri-captains for Bucknell in '02. "Undoubtedly, our success hinges a great deal on Amy's ability to control tempo, maintain defensive stability and provide offensive output that was hit hardest by graduation last year," says Lewis.
In addition to Marvel, Lewis is fortunate to return All-Patriot League goalkeeper and another senior co-captain, Sonja Wettergreen. Wettergreen, a four-year starter in goal, may very well have the most difficult assignment this season, says Lewis. "We're fortunate to have Sonja in goal; I truly believe she is one of the best overall keepers in the league, if not the best. Sonja's greatest challenge will be working with a completely new defensive unit, as we lost all four starters from a year ago to graduation." The sooner that unit can 'gel', the greater chance for success prevails according to Lewis.
With two of the most coveted positions covered by experienced, four-year starters, Bucknell has as good a chance as any to meet with success at season's end. "With change comes a certain degree of uncertainty. Surely, teams will be looking at a completey revamped roster for Bucknell this season. In some ways that can work to our advantage as there will be some adjustment time necessary on the part of our opponents. For me as a coach, I'll be looking at a uniquely compiled roster of athletes whose personalities are as colorful as a rainbow and whose talents are as diverse as sport will allow," comments Lewis.
That withstanding, Lewis is up to the challenge of blending together a functional unit focused on returning to the Patriot League Tournament. "I had become so comfortable with my team the past four years. I hate to say I took the Class of '02 for granted, but in so many ways, we had been together for so long, it was hard not to. Now, facing the upcoming season, there's a 'freshness' to the season. Outside of Amy and Sonja, there isn't much 'set in stone', so to speak. I embrace this opportunity that will allow me to create a distinctively new Bison team that steps on the field in August," asserts Lewis.
ATTACK
A trio of sophomores will look to replace a forward line that lost four key players to graduation and a fifth one to a torn knee ligament this past spring. Meiko Boynton, who saw action in all 17 games as first-year player in 2001, is the most experienced of the threesome. On the season, Meiko scored three goals and assisted on a fourth for a total of seven points on the season. Probably the team's most talented stick handler, Boynton will be counted on heavily for scoring output in 2002. Says Lewis, "Meiko is so very gifted I'm not sure she recognizes how talented she is. My job is to bring to the forefront those talents and, in the process, put Meiko in a position where she feels confident in her scoring abilities."
Expected to join Boynton on the forward line is former walk-on and fellow classmate Steph Cabral. After an outstanding Spring '02 season, Cabral has established herself as a tenacious, goal-oriented forward. Lewis praises Cabral's improvement, "Steph, by far and away, is our most improved player over the past year. She was the team's leading scorer in the spring and combines great speed with exceptional elimination skills. I wouldn't be surprised to see her name among the scoring leaders in the Patriot League this season. More impressive is that Steph is probably as good a defender as she is a scoring threat."
Sophomore Lindsay Knoll, who saw very little action in her first season, will compete for increased playing time on the forward line. Known for her quickness, Knoll improved her shooting skills significantly this past spring and should make her mark in 2002.
Joining this trio of sophomores will be a quartet of first-year players to join the Bucknell program. Kelly O'Brien, who hails from New York State champion Rye High School, is expected to compete for a starting role at center forward. "Kelly has a gift in that she combines an innate scoring touch along with exceptional speed and agility. She will be a surprise for many teams in that her open field skill with the ball is exceptional. She can pose all sorts of problems for an opponent's defense," comments Lewis.
In addition to O'Brien, Carli Cataldo and Kirsten Nilsen will compete for playing time up front. Both bring athleticism, great speed and refined stick skills to the program. According to Lewis, athleticism will be one of the trademarks of this year's forward line. "I honestly feel this year's forward line is a more athletic, faster group of players. In addition to their athleticism, some of them are pure goal scorers - a trait not necessarily learned but rather innate."
MIDFIELD
As commented on earlier, senior Amy Marvel will be the anchor of a midfield unit that will see new starters on both the left and right side. "It's quite possible with the midfield line we'll take a 'position by committee' approach. By that, I foresee a number of players rotating in and out of the left and right sides while Amy maintains consistency in the middle," remarks Lewis.
Sophomore Cara Turner, coming off an exceptional spring season in '02, is expected to compete for the vacant starting right midfield position. Turner, originally considered a possible defensive replacement, established herself in the midfield with steady play, excellent vision, precise passing skills and solid field awareness. "Cara, along with many others, improved significantly this spring. She took advantage of the spring to focus and improve on her weaknesses. Honestly, she's been a pleasant surprise in the midfield," comments Lewis.
On the opposite side, it is expected that sophomore Cara Reichenbach and first-year Dana DePalma will each see time at left midfield. Reichenbach saw part-time duty as a first-year student at left midfield. Those experiences should enhance her confidence level as she enters her sophomore season. DePalma, while limited in collegiate experience, is an ideal midfielder in that she anticipates the play well and is a tenacious worker out on the field.
In addition, sophomore Jenni Turner, the team's most versatile player, will be capable of playing all three midfield positions. "Jenni's flexibility will allow me to experiment with different midfield lines - all dependent upon our opponent and our team's particular needs that day," states Lewis. In addition, first-year athlete Megan Garrett, of Metuchen High School, will look for time as a midfield replacement.
Lewis maintains that the depth of this unit will be instrumental for the success of '02, "I would have to say we're fortunate to have so many players capable of playing a number of different midfield positions. This is where the 'position by committee' approach comes into play. One of the keys to our season will be the ability to make use of so many talented players and never more so than in the midfield."
DEFENSE
It is safe to say that no unit was hit harder by graduation than the defensive line, which lost all four starters to graduation. Juniors Lindsey Gentel and Kate Ruda will be moved from the midfield to the defense to provide experience and stability.
Ruda will have the unenviable task of replacing Lauren Campbell, this program's first-ever National All-American, at left back. Lewis insists the defensive will be in capable hands with Kate moving back a line. "While you can never replace a Lauren Campbell, Kate will have the opportunity to make her own name on the defensive end the next couple of years. I feel very comfortable with Kate's ability to step in and handle the most difficult position on the field - the left back."
Gentel, a starter in the midfield last season until being sidelined with mononucleosis, will move from left midfield to right back. The move, in addition to stabilizing the defensive end, allows Lewis to take full advantage of Gentel's natural tendency to play attacking hockey. "Lindsey's offensive skills are such that she really could play in the midfield. However, her tackling skills are excellent and combine those with her experience and we have an ideal replacement for the right back position," says Lewis. Lewis goes on to say that Gentel will allow for greater attacking flexibility. "Ideally, any time you can control possession on the right side and attack your opponent, you increase your chances for scoring. With Lindsey on the right side, I'm quite confident will be able to do just that."
In terms of the center back position, a number of athletes will compete for the vacancy as a result of graduation. Sophomore Corin Inderbitzin-Brooks is one potential replacement. She is capable of playing both center back and the sweeper back position. Her vision is exceptional and she transitions well out of the backfield.
The final piece of the defensive puzzle is who will replace two-time Regional All-American Monica McCorry at the sweeper back position. In addition to Inderbitzin-Brooks as a possibility, first-year Kristin Thomas will have the chance to step on the field in a starting role. A three-sport star athlete, Thomas brings good size, excellent tackling and distribution skills and exceptional field awareness to the position.
Another duo capable of 'position by committee', senior Kelly Burrows and first-year Beth Shaffer will allow for greater flexibility and provide the much needed depth in the defensive end.
GOALKEEPING
If there's one position that Lewis is set on, that would be her starting goalkeeper. Senior Sonja Wettergreen, fresh off an All-Patriot League performance in 2001, will start in goal for her fourth and final season. First-year student-athletes Tara Fry and Liz Jordan will serve as back-ups. While the position may be set, Lewis has confidence in both Fry and Jordan, in the event that Wettergreen is sidelined for a period of time. "I would have to say we're quite fortunate to have three goalkeepers of the level we do. It's a luxury that allows me to breath a bit easier in the event that something happens to Sonja," comments Lewis.
