Aug. 29, 2002
The Siena Field Hockey team's upset quest for the Northeast Conference crown begins against rival Momouth on Saturday, September 7. The Saints were selected to finish sixth in the annual NEC preseason poll released today.
Quinnipiac University has been tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the 2002 NEC field hockey championship. Under the direction of veteran mentor Becca Kohli, a two-time NEC Coach of the Year recipient and the winningest coach in league history, Quinnipiac has established itself as one of the NEC's elite programs.
Rider, Sacred Heart and Monmouth figure to be among the other top contenders for the NEC crown this year. Rider earned a share of the regular season title last year before falling to Quinnipiac, 1-0, in the NEC Tournament championship game. Senior goalkeeper Jen Cushinotto (Tuckahoe, NJ/Ocean City), an all-NEC first teamer last season, and sophomore forward Maddy Boulden (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester), the 2001 NEC Rookie of the Year, provide the Broncs with a strong nucleus to build around. Sacred Heart head coach Chris Blais will be counting on junior forward Julie Messenger (Hinsdale, NH/Hinsdale) to once again put up big numbers for the Pioneers. Messenger is the NEC's top returning scorer after piling up 29 points (12 goals/5 assists) last fall. Monmouth also returns a quality lineup which will feature senior forwards Gina Chico (Williamstown, NJ/Williamstown), the 2000 NEC Player of the Year, and Kellie Nurko (Robbinsville, NJ/Allentown), who already owns school career records for goals (31) and points (71).
The Saints will rely heavily on the efforts on junior Lacee Iselo who was selected NEC Rookie of the Year as a freshman and named to the conference's Second Team last season.
The 2002 NEC Field Hockey Tournament will take place on November 1 & 3 on the campus of Monmouth University. The top four teams in the regular season standings will advance to the championship event. The winner of the NEC Tournament will then advance to an NCAA Tournament play-in game, which will be hosted by the Atlantic 10 champion in early November.
2002 Northeast Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Quinnipiac (5)
2. Rider (1)
Sacred Heart
4. Monmouth (1)
5. UMBC
6. Siena
7. St. Francis (PA)
(First place votes in parentheses)
