Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Field Hockey Begins New Campaign with Temple, Saint Joseph's
8/27/2010 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 27, 2010
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell field hockey will open its 2010 campaign at the Temple Invitational Aug. 28-29, hoping to recapture its success that gave them a piece of the Patriot League regular-season title a year ago. In their first weekend of play, the Bison will take on the host Owls on Saturday and St. Joseph's on Sunday. Both games are slated for 1 p.m. at Temple's Geasey Field, and live stats will be available for both contests at owlsports.com.
Despite finishing atop the league standings in 2009, Bucknell was selected third in the Patriot League Preseason Poll earlier this week. The Bison claimed 34 points and one first-place vote, trailing American, which had 50 points and 10 first-place votes, and Lafayette with 40 points and one first-place vote.
The preseason poll is determined by the league's head coaches and sports information directors who cannot vote for their own team.
Bucknell has limited experience against each of its opponents this weekend, being 1-0 against each of them. The Bison defeated Temple by a 2-1 score last year with goals by Marci Richard and Tayler Siegrist. Both scores came following corner penalties. Bucknell took a 3-0 win over Saint Joseph's in 2008. Corinne Raczek claimed an assist on all three goals. Former Bison Katie Ruiz scored twice, while Amanda Faust chipped in a goal as well.
For those planning on seeing the Bison in person this weekend, tickets will be available at the gate and are $3 for one day or $4 for a two-day pass.
Below is a more in-depth preview of the 2010 Bucknell field hockey season:
Bucknell field hockey put together one of the most successful finishes in program history last season, but the Bison are far from resting on past accomplishments as they enter a new chapter. After claiming a piece of the Patriot League regular-season title for the first time in 2009, Bucknell is back with the determination to take that success to another level through solid leadership and a demanding schedule.
While seniors Kelly Bruvik and Corinne Raczek earned the squad's captains positions last spring, Bucknell is able to rely on a number of its student-athletes from the freshmen up through the seniors for leadership.
"Both of them really stepped up last spring and really showed what they've got to offer," head coach Jeremy Cook said of Bruvik and Raczek. "You have a really strong leadership feel from that whole group, and one of the things that I think they're discovering coming through this preseason in particular is that we have really strong leadership qualities in all of our classes. We went to the Bucknell Ropes Course, and it was just phenomenal how people stepped up and were willing to share the burden of the responsibility of leading the group from within every class. Those two (Bruvik and Raczek) have the badges, but we have a team of leaders."
The Bison will need to step up in a big way as they begin one of the most ambitious schedules in recent years. In addition to NCAA Tournament qualifier Indiana, Bucknell has added the Ivy League's Harvard and Princeton, which advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 2009, to its non-conference slate. A number of other nationally ranked opponents make the Bison's schedule as well, ensuring a challenge-packed fall that will hopefully result in strong Patriot League results down the road.
"It sets a tone for the rest of the year and for the four years that our freshmen are going to be here. I wanted to play those games because I am trying to send a bit of a message about what the best hockey in this country really has, what that looks like," said Cook, who is entering his third season as the Bison's head coach. "As much as we talk about tempo and speed and execution rates at practice, [when you get] on the field with one of the best teams in the country, you see it and you see how it's being affective.
"I think that the tougher schedule you play sets you up for conference games in a much better way. Now we'll have practice playing teams that are at and above American University's level instead of having that as one of our marquee games of the year."
Bucknell's senior class will hope that it does not have to wait long to reap the benefits of such a difficult schedule. The team's lone loss in the Patriot League during the 2009 regular season came against American, a squad the Bison last beat in 2001. Helping to put an end to the trend are Raczek, Christine Weiss and Morgan Kauffman. Together the trio anchored the group that led the Patriot League in penalty corners last season, and Bucknell will look for a repeat performance in 2010.
The three also combined for three selections to All-Patriot League teams and two league All-Tournament Team nods at the conclusion of the year. Raczek and Kauffman will face a bit of friendly competition in each other as well as both are vying for the program's assist record. Entering her final campaign, Raczek ranks second all-time at the university with 27, while Kauffman is tied for third with 26.
"They're one away from each other, and they're probably just going to continue that," predicted Cook. "I think both of them will generate a lot of offense this year."
The pair also own first through fourth place on the single-season assists list, while Kauffman is 12th in career points with 54.
Bucknell will also be looking for big production from its deep junior class. After seeing limited playing time during her first two years in the Orange and Blue, Sarah Zargarpour will take over the starting goalkeeper duties, thanks in part to her committed efforts during the offseason.
"She really worked hard over the summer. She did a lot of lifting and conditioning here on campus, and it's paying off," said Cook. "Her confidence is at a high. She's communicating well, she's moving well, making a lot of saves and keeping the ball down, which is really positive for her."
Marci Richard and Mallory Smith also return this fall in outstanding physical shape and are expected to continue making their mark on the front line. Richard brings a superior work ethic and speed to the Bison, while Smith adds playmaking abilities to the group.
"Her confidence and her game understanding have grown as she's kind of grown up with the position," said Cook. "She's technically very sound and one of the most creative players that we have."
Kate Bowen and Caroline Coady round out the group defensively but, on a roster with such a wealth of talent, will have to battle for their share of playing opportunities despite their experience.
"[Bowen's] confidence has increased over the last couple of years, and she's getting better at playing with power," said Cook. "Coady is also competing for time in the back. She's a very powerful player."
Highlighting the sophomore group are Tayler Siegrist and Katie Durkin. While Durkin, who saw plenty of game action in her debut campaign, is returning from offseason injuries, Siegrist spent her summer dedicated to field hockey. Siegrist established herself as one of the leading rookies in the Patriot League last season, both on the field and as a top javelin thrower with Bucknell track. She then earned a spot with the Junior National Camp after leading the Pennsylvania squad to a High Performance Championships title. Siegrist's additional playing time was made evident as preseason camp opened, and the sophomore looks to maintain a hold on her starting position from last fall.
Bucknell's newest additions hit the ground running in the team's early rounds of training and are eager to make their presence felt.
"The freshman class has just been outstanding. They've come in, and they're leading the team in a whole bunch of things," praised Cook. "Their fitness level is tremendous. They all came in absolutely ready to play, committed to it and as intense as we need them to be."
Among those expected to make an immediate impact are Rachel Misko and Hannah Jones. Both forwards, Misko boasts strong fundamentals and decision making. Jones, who is also a sprinter with the Bucknell track team, brings outstanding speed to the field.
Vickie Resh is also a welcome addition to the midfield unit, thanks in part to her unselfish play and field vision.
"She's just been a phenomenal addition to the team just because of how smart she is, how she sets up space and how well she sees the field," said Cook. "She's one of those players who is just a joy to play with because you know whenever you need her, she's going to be in the right spot and she's going to give you the ball back every time you give to her."
The freshmen will have their first opportunity at joining the veterans in a true game situation August 28-29 when the Bison open their season with Temple and St. Joseph's. Bucknell then returns to its home Graham Field on September 4 for a bout with Albany before eventually opening its Patriot League schedule a month later on the road at Holy Cross.
