Field Hockey Passes First NESCAC Test

Author: Andrew Zimmermann

Middlebury field hockey entered its home New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opener Saturday at 0-1 after a 4-1 loss to Skidmore College. By late that afternoon the Panthers had sent a message to the rest of its NESCAC rivals that this year they mean business. The team cruised to a 6-1 win over Trinity behind a solid effort from all involved.
After success last year, this season Middlebury will be testing the merits of some first-year talent and the versatility of its veterans. The team appears to be up to the challenge as first-years Allison Smith, Channing Weymouth and Ashley Lyddane all started against Trinity and made significant contributions. Smith headed the effort with two goals in the contest.
Among the veterans asked to reinvent their role and position on this year's squad are Keely Murphy '04, Kate Perine '03, Char Glessner '03.5, Missy Krempa ' 04 and Ashley Pullen '05. "Some people are trying different positions making this a totally different team from last year," said Perine, who is one of the team's captains and has been moved into a more offensive role this season. Glessner has moved back to receive the ball earlier in offensive sequences while Krempa and Pullen have been transferred from the flank to the interior midfield. "Both Missy and Ashley did a good job distributing the ball," commented Perine regarding the Saturday win.
Jo Opot '05 is one player who is staying put this year in front of the net. She started and shined in net in the 6-1 victory and eventually gave way to rookie Anna Spiegel '06 during the final eight minutes of the game. Glessner continues to show the form of last year when she was named 2001 NESCAC Field Hockey Player of the Year. In the first two games she has compiled two goals and an assist.
"This was the first time the team has really clicked," said Perine. As Middlebury moves on to face tougher NESCAC opponents, undoubtedly more will be asked of the team. Perine noted that the team right now is, "playing well with what we have." But according to her there is room for improvement as rookies adjust and the veterans continue to acclimate to their new roles.
With the first win of the season Perine stressed, "It was important to do well at home," adding that this game was, "A good statement to the rest of the league." Middlebury moves on next to play Springfield at home today at 4 p.m. with Wesleyan coming to town on Saturday at noon.