Aug. 18, 2005
New leadership and young blood bring excitement and uncertainty as head coach Lynda Lareau and the Saints embark on the latest chapter of Siena Field Hockey.
Lost to graduation is the best goalie in school history, Kristen Heyde, and last season's leading scorer, Jessica Peluso. Still, the Saints managed just two wins a year ago, so the revamped lineup yields a sense of optimism.
"I'm confident that we will have better team chemistry this season, and work harder as a group," Lareau said. "Our success on the field will depend on how well our returning players adjust to their new roles, and how fast our freshman become acclimated to the college game."
The Saints advanced to the NEC Tournament in 2003 for the first time in program history, but at the time, the Northeast Conference had just six teams. This year, as with last, it will be more challenging as the league has expanded to nine with the addition of preseason favorite Lock Haven (not Tournament eligible this season), Fairfield and Robert Morris.
Siena was picked seventh in a preseason poll of the league's coaches, but the Saints have their sights set on loftier expectations.
"We want to get to the point where making the Conference Championship is the expectation," Lareau said. "This group has the potential to develop into something special."
Forwards
Sophomores Traci Baldwin and Hanna Lestrange broke onto the scene last year, making an immediate impact up front. The rookie tandem accounted for nearly 30% of the team's scoring as freshman, finishing second and third on the team in points respectively.
The two figure to maintain their starting positions as forwards, and will be asked to add even more offensive production this season. Baldwin is a finesse player with great stick skills and above average speed. She has a knack for finding the back of the cage when she gets loose in the circle. Lestrange relies on her size and strength for offensive production. She has good instincts and a powerful shot.
Sophomore Ashley Pereira and freshman Meredith Yund will be among those competing for the final forward spot. Pereira started three of the 11 games she appeared in as a freshman, scoring one goal and adding an assist. She is another player with good stick skills and speed. Yund is a local product with size and experience. She could break the rotation as a rookie if she advances in camp as quickly as the coaching staff feels she can.
Sophomores Meredith Borrell and Danielle Weill add depth to the forward spot after seeing limited action as freshman, as will newcomer Carli Atkinson. Borrell made great strides during the spring season, while Weill and Atkinson add speed and finesse around the cage.
Whatever rotation Lareau settles on will be crucial, as the Saints have struggled on offense the past few seasons, and are in desperate need of consistent goal scorers.
"I expect we will move the ball better in the offensive zone, and really improve upon finishing the opportunities we create," Lareau said. "I have seen an improved focus leading into the season, and I expect great improvement in our forward play."
Midfield
Kathleen Brennan is the team's top returnee and figures to compete for all-conference accolades as a senior. She stepped on the field and locked in a spot in the midfield as a freshman, and has blossomed into a threat on both sides of the ball. Brennan is the key as the Saints transition from defense to offense, and her strong stick skills allow her to advance the ball to the forwards with ease. She also has a great drive and good reflexes, which enable her to thwart opposing odd-man rushes.
Brennan is accompanied by classmate Lori Barletta, another experienced talent with great leadership skills and tremendous talent. Barletta has a formidable drive and is regularly called upon in free ball situations to advance the ball down field. A converted defender, Barletta has the mobility to mark the opposition's top scorers as well.
Sophomore Emily Winslow played in all 14 games as a freshman, and figures to have the opening day edge at the third midfield spot. Winslow worked hard at improving her game in the off-season, and plays with tremendous poise for an underclassman. Classmate Alicia Reagan saw action in nine games last season and her versatility could earn her minutes in the midfield or on defense.
When all is said and done, the midfield figures to be a great strength for the Saints, and one of the top units in the NEC. The group will be called upon for leadership and production as the Saints look to make the leap to the upper echelon of the conference.
"We expect a lot from our midfield this season," Lareau said. "They need to set an example for the younger players in our program, and play up to their potential on the field."
Defense
The Saints also welcome back some experience on defense, where junior Lauren Mecchella anchors a solid group of returnees. Mecchella enjoyed one of the great defensive seasons in program history last year, finishing as the national leader in defensive saves. Her lightning-quick instincts and superb tracking ability help turn away several scoring opportunities each game.
Senior captain Tricia Eldred has been a mainstay on defense since her freshman season, and is the team leader. Eldred is captaining the Saints for the second straight season, and after starting all 14 games last year, seems primed for a breakthrough season. She has all the tools of a great defender to go along with her terrific attitude.
Junior Carly Demartis started all 14 games last year and will have one of the remaining defensive spots again this fall. Demartis is a vocal leader who anticipates where the attack is headed well. She is also adept at converting turnovers into scoring opportunities as evidenced by her three assists last season.
Sophomore Anne Linley rounds out the opening day quartet on defense after starting 13 games a rookie. Linley emerged as the top freshman in 2004, combining dazzling stick work with her sensational speed. Freshman Meghan Williams will add depth at defense. She posses good size, great anticipation and superior passing skills.
"I'm excited to have all our key contributors back on defense," Lareau said. "With a new goalie in the cage, this group will have added pressure, and I'm confident they have the experience and skill to live up to the challenge."
Goalie
No doubt the biggest hit the Saints took in the off-season was the loss of all-time leading goalie Kristen Heyde to graduation. With her impending departure, Lareau and staff set out to find a capable replacement. They are more than confident that they were successful in this mission.
Freshman Carlee Evans makes the trip to Loudonville from Maine, where she was a Class A Champion in field hockey and gymnastics. Evans is extremely athletic and has great reflexes. She could have the opening day edge in the cage.
Evans is joined by freshman Jennifer Tesak. The New Hartford, N.Y. native also showed great promise in a decorated high school career, and will compete for meaningful minutes this fall. Rounding out the contenders is senior Jamie Moller who apprenticed Heyde in her first year playing for the program last fall. Moller has the edge in experience, and will be asked to provide leadership to the newcomers.
"Obviously, it will be difficult to replace Kristen (Heyde)," Lareau said. "I am excited about the three goalies we have with our program, and think that someone will step forward and provide us with great goalie play."
Schedule
NorPac member Appalachian State comes to town Sunday, August 28 as the Saints begin the 2005 season with a home non-conference game. Road dates with Holy Cross (August 30) and Rhode Island (September 3), precede a clash with crosstown rival UAlbany in Saratoga Springs on September 7.
The Saints return to the turf at Union College September 10 when they battle Bucknell. The non-conference slate concludes September 14 at Colgate.
NEC play starts Sunday, September 18 when the Saints welcome Robert Morris to Siena Field. The following weekend, Siena makes the voyage to Connecticut for road dates with perennial powers Quinnipiac (9/23) and Sacred Heart (9/25). The Saints have two of their more challenging NEC games at home as they end September with a Friday afternoon game against Rider and host Fairfield the following Thursday. Lock Haven and St. Francis (Pa.) are next on the schedule the weekend of October 14, with Monmouth rounding out the regular-season at home on Friday, October 21.
The NEC Championship will be contested at the site of the regular-season champion October 28 and 30.
"We have again put together a challenging regional schedule that will have us well tested for the crucial conference season," Lareau said. "If we can survive the non-conference portion, and gain valuable experience, we could make some noise in league play."
