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Seasons In Review
Field Hockey 2001 In Review
After finishing off its second year of Division I play with a two-game winning streak and a 4-8 conference record, the UMBC field hockey team has much reason to be proud. Although a 4-10 overall record does not seem impressive, the team totals from 2001 reflect a vast improvement, especially when compared to last year's 0-11 mark.
"I am very pleased with our season results," said head coach Kristy Hartman. "Our conference record is a respectable result and more importantly, is something to build on for 2002."
Overall, the 2001 Retriever team made great strides last fall to achieve their long term goal of winning a conference championship. The hard work of seniors Melissa Bragg (1g) and Jessica Goodwin (3 DSV) paid off as both of them took leadership roles in their respective midfield and defensive positions. The combination of Goodwin and newcomers Cecille Banas and Leslie Chilcote filled the vacancies left by former starters Simone Stalling and Susan Mancho. Banas, who had one goal, one assist, and a defensive save, set the defensive tone with her agile moves and ability to force turnovers. Chilcote (2 DSV) added to those strengths with her ability to read the opponents while executing tackles.
On the offensive end, freshman Jen Rowe anchored the midfield with fluid stick skills. With one goal and two assists, Rowe proved that she had the ability to set up plays, read the field, and place passes to effectively lead the UMBC attack.
In goal for the Retrievers, Karalyn Krieger did an outstanding job for the second year in a row. Krieger, who saw action in 967 minutes, recorded 108 saves and two shutouts, and ended the season with a 2.17 goals against average.
Also impressive were the contributions of Lauren Olszewski (3g, 1a, 1 DSV), Megan Atkinson (2g, 1a), Kristin Ramsay (2g), and Amanda Bile (3g, 1a). Ramsay, who scored UMBC's first goal this season, led the Retrievers to their first ever DI win as the Dawgs shut out Sacred Heart, 1-0. Another newcomer, Bile, ended the season strong with seven points, scoring two goals (including the game-winner) against St. Francis (PA). Her performance in the final week of the regular season earned her NEC Rookie of the Week honors.
"The most important success in our fall season was the growth in confidence over last season that allowed us to play an offensive game," said Hartman. In 2001, UMBC almost doubled their shots on goal from the previous year, 97-46, while remarkably increasing the number of goals scored from three to eighteen.
The Retrievers have resolved as a team to work very hard in the offseason through weight training, conditioning, and intense skill work to improve their record next fall. With four well-deserved wins and two heartbreaking losses (Monmouth 1-0 OT, Siena 2-1), UMBC has had a taste of victory, as well as tough defeat. Still, the Retrievers managed to land in fifth place - a spot below a tournament berth, but still above the coaches' preseason poll (6).
"I'm elated with the total elevation of all aspects of our game," said Hartman. "The thought of the team's talent energized by skill development and conditioning during the off season makes me very excited for next year."