Field hockey off to encouraging start

Author: Mia Lieb-Lappen

Ten years ago, in 1998, the Middlebury College field hockey team found its way to the top and won the national championships. Last year they fell short, losing by one to Bowdoin in the finals. Today, the Panthers are in position to once again become NESCAC champions and possibly contend for a national title.

"We have a high-scoring, stronger team this year," said defender Kerry Riley '10. According to Reilly, a successful season is attainable especially if the team follows coach Katharine DeLorenzo's expectation to always be a fitter team, a faster team and a relentless team.

This season the field hockey team made several midfield and attack positional adjustments to which this higher scoring will hopefully be attributed. This was demonstrated in last Saturday's game, as the offense drilled 19 shots on goal to St. Lawrence's six, resulting in a 6-2 victory to start off the season. Chase Delano '11, who scored a hat trick after being moved from midfield to offense, led the aggressive offense and Heather McCormack '10 added two goals as well. Emily Blaine '12 also contributed to the board, scoring her first career goal to ensure Middlebury's victory.

Blaire is one of seven who made the team out of the 13 first-years who tried out for field hockey this fall. "The freshman are a loud and fun class … they are strong players who add a lot and fit right in," said Reilly. "It is really good to see the underclassmen take leadership positions on field.

Also leading the team is the goalie and "eyes of the field," Caitlin Pentifallo '09, and feisty left back Taryn Petrelli '09, who sets the pace for the team. Pentifallo and Petrelli along with three other seniors bring the team together athletically and socially, "with lots of flair," added Reilly. "The team is really close and we really enjoy each other's company and have lots of fun together. This really shows on the field as we support each other and continue to make good connections," she said. Saturday's game proved their ability to do so with back passes and field transfers as they came out strong in the first half to lead 5-1.

Harvard field hockey camp and a ball machine nicknamed "George" are two good instigators for the camaraderie and improvement of the team. The girls went to a three day field hockey camp at Harvard two weeks before preseason, which brought the team together and was a nice introduction for the new players. And thanks to George, named for its resemblance to a George Foreman Grill, the team has improved rebounding and finishing skills.

The players' skills and cooperation coupled with an exceptional coaching staff are crucial for another strong season. Coach DeLorenzo, who stopped a preseason practice to watch a fox running by, also means business on the field and holds the team to high expectations. Assisting her is last year's captain and All-American, Reid Berrien '08 who helps raise the morale with her witty personality and recent experience. Moreover, assistant coach Heidi Howard '99, who was a member of the 1998 national championship team, is ready to make it happen again.

Expect big things from the field hockey team this year, for it seems to have the footwork of another championship team.