Bucknell University Athletics
Four Bison Field Hockey Players Receive All-League Honors
11/1/2006 7:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Nov. 1, 2006
LEWISBURG, Pa - Wednesday, senior Katie Urosevich (Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg), junior Kelly Hoffman (Boyertown, Pa./Oley Valley) and sophomores Steph Graf (Jamison, Pa./Central Bucks East) and Amanda Faust (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) were selected to the All-Patriot League team, which are chosen by the opposing Patriot League coaches. Urosevich and Faust copped first-team honors, while Hoffman and Graf were picked to the second team.
Faust, who was honored as a second-team performer and Co-Rookie of the Year a season ago, has started in all 16 games as a defender. The sophomore leads the Bison in assists (10), points (24) and is tied for the team lead in goals (7). Her 10 assists place her tied for first place on Bucknell's single-season list with senior teammate Alex Kyzmir (Lisle, N.Y./Whitney Point), who posted the record in the 2005 season. Faust also has two game-winning goals and one defensive save on the season. She tops the league in assists and assists per game (0.62), and is ranked fifth in points and points per game (1.50). Faust also ranks 17th in the nation in assists per game.
"Amanda set a high standard for herself last year with Rookie of the Year and All-Patriot League honors in just her first season," said Bucknell head coach Heather Lewis. "Being named First Team All-Patriot League just shows Amanda's ability to handle the expectations and accept the pressure of being one of the league's top performers. What is even nicer for Bucknell is the fact that Amanda has two years remaining in our program and we can only assume she'll continue to improve in all facets of her game."
Urosevich, a Lewisburg native and team captain, started all 16 regular season games for the Orange and Blue, tallying seven goals, which is tied for the squad lead with Faust. Urosevich has three assists and 17 points, which ranks her second on the team. The senior stands eighth in the league in points per game (1.29), and ninth in goals per game (0.44). For her career, Urosevich has tallied nine goals and seven assists for 25 total points.
"I couldn't be happier for Katie to end her Bison Field Hockey career as a First Team All-Patriot League selection," said Lewis. "For a former walk-on to rise to this level of success can only be attributed to her desire to improve and her unbelievable work ethic. Most importantly, given that I cannot vote for this award, this shows that the other coaches in the Patriot League recognize Katie's talents and impact on the field."
Graf, who was a second-team honoree as a freshman, has posted a league-best five defensive saves, and tallied four assists on the season. The sophomore has started all 16 games for the Orange and Blue and has been a tremendous defensive player for the Bison, shutting down the opponents top offensive players numerous times.
"I will continue to say this about Steph, I believe Steph is one of the finest defenders in our league and this recognition only validates that perspective," commented Lewis. "For a sophomore to gain All-Patriot League recognition two years in a row, that is a testament to her talents. I have no doubt Steph will only get better as her career moves forward and that's an exciting prospect for Bucknell."
Hoffman, who makes the list for the first time in her career, has produced a strong offensive and defensive presence in the Bison lineup as a midfielder staring all 16 games. The junior has produced two goals and two assists for six points on the season.
"What a terrific honor this is Kelly as she really has been our 'workhorse' at the center midfield position," said Lewis. "Kelly does all the little things that never show up on a stat page yet are instrumental in a team's performance. To be honored with All-Patriot League recognition demonstrates that the league coaches appreciate Kelly's efforts on a consistent basis."
The Bucknell field hockey team will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Patriot League tournament as the number four seed on Nov. 4. The Bison will battle the number one seed American at 11 a.m. at William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex.
