Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Field Hockey adds Seven Members
8/14/2006 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 14, 2006
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell head field hockey coach Heather Lewis announced Monday that she has added seven freshmen to her 2006 Bison roster. The seven newcomers will help Bucknell compete for the Patriot League title this season.
Jessie Atieh (Caldwell, N.J.)/West Essex), Diana Bartley (Basking Ridge, N.J./Ridge), Sarah Ebright (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin), Alex Gomez (Hockessin, Del./Tatnall), Megan Krebs (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./GAR Memorial, Rudo Mawema (Harare, Zimbabwe/Dominican Convent), and Austin Thomas (Tunkhannock, Pa./Tunkhannock) rounds out the new faces of the field hockey program.
Atieh, a two-sport athlete in high school earned three varsity letters at the goalkeeper position and two letters in softball. Atieh was part of a state championship team in 2002 and led her team to another state title in 2005. Her team also won two Essex County titles and three Iron Hills Conference titles. In her efforts, Atieh was tabbed third team All-Essex County and honorable mention All-Iron Hills Conference.
"We recruited the goalkeeper position specifically this year and Jessie fit the needs we were looking for," said Lewis. "I think it's an ideal situation for Jessie in that she can spend the first year getting used to the Division I level, refining her skills and gaining invaluable experience on a daily basis in the fall and spring season."
Bartley, also playing goalkeeper was a three time letterwinner. She led her team to two Skyland Conference Delaware West Division titles and a state runner-up in 2005. She was named Player of the Year for the Star Ledger and Courier News along with get first team accolades in the Somerset County Coaches' Selection, Skyland Conference Delaware West Division, North Jersey Field Hockey Coaches' Association, and a member of the All-State NJFHA team. Bartley was also selected to play in the North Jersey Field Hockey Coaches' Association Senior All-Star game. In the off-season, Bartley played for the Spirit Eagles
"Diana is one of two talented first-year goalkeepers we brought in this year. She has great size for a keeper and has demonstrated solid clearing skills and good decision-making in the circle. I had a chance to watch Diana compete at our camp last summer and she really showed us the ability to be successful at this level."
Ebright is a two sport athlete winning a total of five letters, three for field hockey and two for lacrosse. She helped lead her team to a District III AAA Championship title as well as a state finalist finish in 2003 and two AAA State quarterfinalist appearances in 2004 and 2005. Ebright was name to the NFHCA National Academic Team and the All-State Academic Teams in 2005. She was named first team All-State 2005 and second team in 2004, first team Patriot News Big 11 in 2005, second team in 2004 and earned a Mid Penn League nod All-Star in 2005. Ebright is part of the USFHA Futures Elite Team.
"I believe Sarah is ready to make an immediate impact in our program. She comes from such a great high school program - a tradition built on hard work, positive attitudes and `team first' mentality. Sarah is an outstanding defender - one who communicates well and organizes her defensive teammates around her." Gomez will be playing the midfielder position. She was a four year letterwinner for field hockey and a two year letterwinner for lacrosse. Gomez' accolades include three first team All-Conference selections and three team MVP selections for her squad.
"Alex may be our most versatile player in this year's recruiting class. As a tribute to her talents, she can play any position and this certainly benefits our program with such flexibility. In addition, Alex brings a high level of good energy and a very positive attitude into our program - both essential for our success."
Krebs comes to Bucknell with eight varsity letters winning four in field hockey and soccer and two in basketball. She helped lead her team to a division championship, the first in twenty years, and was also named captain of her team in 2005. Krebs was named a first team All-Scholastic selection three times, as well.
"Megan showed us in camp last year how far advanced her skill set and decision-making were and should have no problem making the adjustment to turf and Division I hockey. She'll provide this team with a toughness necessary for championship play."
Mawewa comes to Bucknell from Lindenwood University. She was captain of the Zimbabwe Junior National team and was a member of the Zimbabwe Women's National Team. She also holds a silver medal for the Africa Cup of Nations.
"Rudo comes to us having already competed collegiately in the United States. Her experience competing internationally will help this program in its advancement towards winning a championship. I believe Rudo's experience as a defender will be a critical piece in how successful we are defensively."
Austin, a four sport athlete, winning four letters in field hockey, basketball, track and one for cross country. She was the captain of her team for field hockey and an academic All-State selection. She also was a track Most Valuable Player and won three district medals.
"Austin attended our camp last year and caught my eye with her athleticism - she has very good speed. I anticipate Austin using 2006 as a transitional year to get acclimated to the Division I game - a chance to refine her skills and broaden her decision-making. She, too, brings a desire and attitude to embrace this opportunity and the work ethic to match."
Coach Lewis will look to these seven newcomers to fill the place of four seniors lost to graduation from the 2005 squad. The Bison will begin their quest for the Patriot League title on August 26 against the Colonials of Robert Morris. Start time is at 3 p.m. at Graham Field.
