Field Hockey
NCAA Division II Runner-up 2001

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania

Warriors Up to the Challenge of Repeating PSAC, NCAA Success

Last year proved to be a very successful one for the Warriors' field hockey team - a record-breaking season, an NCAA tournament runner-up finish, and three All-America selections.

Coach Sandy Miller and the Warriors are now ready for an even bigger 2002 season and will be giving the competition a battle to the end.

"We have a very exciting season ahead of us, possibly our best one ever," said Miller. "We will be very competitive and hopefully will get the recognition we deserve."

"My expectations of the players haven't changed just because of last year's success," added Miller. "We will work hard, be in top shape and will be ready to go."

The struggle for the Warriors will be in replacing six starters, including three former All-America players.
Coach Miller is confident though, returning seven seniors and a dedicated team that wants to win.

"Now that we have had a taste of success, we want more. The players will thrive on the success from last season," said Miller.

Leading the way will be the return of three-year starting goalie and All-America selection Kelly Wagner.

"Kelly is just awesome," said Miller. "She puts in 110% on the field, whether in practice or in games."

"Kelly has the ability to get her teammates fired up because of the amazing shots she is able to save," added Miller. "She is unbelievable in goal and is one of the top Division II goalies in the country."

Wagner had her best season last season, allowing only 25 goals in 23 games for a 1.07 average.

She also broke the school's career shutout record with 22.5, previously set at 22 in 1997.

Even though the Warriors lost four forwards, this year's forward line will be just as solid. Likely candidates for the line are Sara Gorman, Mandy Sturm, Steph Hippman, Jill Ternosky and Antonia Giannopoulos.

"A combination of any of the forwards gives us the speed to out-run and out-play the competition," commented Miller.

Gorman came in off the bench last season and ended up leading the team in scoring. She is a steady player and knows how to score goals.

Kacy Parry, Jody LaVerdure and Becki Fidler will be other players to watch in the forward position. Parry stepped up in big games last season to put pressure on opponents, including the NCAA semi-final match.

LaVerdure is very tough in the circle and knows how to create scoring opportunities. She will be a threat to the opposing defense.

The midfield will be the toughest area to rebuild after losing a key player in All-America Rachel Miller.

"Rachel's spot will be the hardest to fill, but we have so much depth in the squad that we should be ok," said Coach Miller.

Second team All-America Shannon McCracken transitioned well from right to center midfield last season and has really developed into a team leader and sound player in the position. She is very versatile and will be able to cover the field well offensively and defensively.

Josie Schantzenbach will also star in the Warrior midfield. Her speed frustrates opponents and was a huge factor in the team's win over Lock Haven in the NCAA semi-finals.

The Warrior defense will be solid with the return of Kathy Martin and Becca Henderson. Martin's strength is in her ability to shut down the right side attack with her tenacious play.

Finding a player to fill the center back position will be a challenge for Coach Miller, but the depth of the squad will help out.

Jamie Miller could be a contender for the spot, along with Nicole Kocis, a very versatile player. Kocis could see time as either a midfielder or defender.

The Warriors have a solid schedule to work from and have a couple of good pre-season scrimmages to help get the team prepared for Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference play.

The Warriors will travel to the St. Michael's Tournament to play their first game of season against Southern Connecticut. They will open up the home season Sept. 3 against Muhlenberg. PSAC play begins Sept. 14 with a trip to Slippery Rock.