Only three players have graduated; a big difference from last year, when the team had to replace six graduated seniors and three juniors away on study abroad. But while the team is young in terms of age-the only seniors on the team are its two captains, defender Amy Watson and midfielder Rachel Carr-Harris-it is rich in experience. Last season, both seniors earned Second Team All-NES-
CAC honors and were named to the Dartfish/National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-New England West Region Team. Watson led a defense that posted three shutouts last year, while Carr-Harris was second on the team in points, goals and assists. Ten players are returning who have started in at least one game, and both Watson and Carr-Harris are now four-year starters. "We have a lot of good returning players who have playing experience from last year, which is really exciting," said Head Coach Carol Knerr.
The team's entire 2005 defense lineup remains intact and two of its sophomores, Alyssa Dudzik and Catherine Calvert, started every game as first-years. Goalie Kathleen Boucher '08 returns as a second-year starter, and the confidence from experience gained last season will serve her well in the net. Christa Porcaro '08 and Mary Noonan '09 look set to contribute as forwards, and some fast incoming first-years are expected to add some dash to the front line.
Even though preseason is only a few days old, the team already seems to be gelling together. "We spent time together this summer as a team and it was a great bonding experience," said Carr-Harris. "It makes me very confident that our team will not only be successful this year, but also a lot of fun. Overall, we're just looking forward to working hard and then seeing that hard work pay off."
The first game will be on Sept. 9 at Trinity College. As opening day gets closer and closer, there is one thing on the Jeffs' minds. "We are a team with a mission to get things done," said Knerr.
NESCAC Notes
Bowdoin College had an incredible 2005 campaign. The Polar Bears were undefeated until the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament, besting every NESCAC team and claiming the conference title along the way. However, Bowdoin's glory turned to devastaion when NESCAC Player of the Year and First Team All-America Taryn King tragically passed away in late January. King, the 2003 NES-
CAC Rookie of the Year, had been named to an all-conference squad in each of her three seasons on the Bowdoin squad. The NESCAC community will miss this remarkable talent in what should have been King's final season.