2007 Field Hockey Preseason Newsletter 2007 SEASON PREVIEW

30th ANNIVERSARY - STAY TUNED

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2007 SCHEDULE

2007 SEASON PREVIEW

What a difference a year makes. That’s what veteran head coach Linda Wage hopes will be the case as Clark’s field hockey team enters the 2007 campaign. Returning to the field with 13 letterwinners, including nine sophomores and just five starters, the Cougars’ growth over the last year will be a major factor in the team’s success. “I’m looking for our sophomore class to step up and make that transition from their first year,” Wage said. “It’s going to come down to their ability to be aggressive, adjust to the college game, and contribute in a positive way.”

While last year’s team finished with a 4-12 (1-7 NEWMAC) mark, Coach Wage must also set about the task of reshuffling a line-up that lost six graduating seniors – five starters – and a two-time NFCA All-Region goalkeeper, the Cougars’ top scorer, and a NEWMAC All-Academic selection.

With that said, there will be several familiar faces on Granger Field this fall. Sophomore NEWMAC All-Star Carley Corkum and Gloria Torres – expected to build on a fine freshman campaign – will bolster Clark’s back-line. According to Wage, second-year players Lauren DeMetro, Anne Marie DiMatteo and Allison Foley should also benefit from an increase in playing time. Newcomer Amalia Dapkiewicz, a two-time defender of the year at Stoneham (Mass.) High, will give the Cougars valuable minutes off the bench.

With four-year starter and All-Conference keeper Kaitlin Kelley not returning, sophomore Kathryn Dawsey and first-year Katelyn McGrath will battle for the top goalie position. Kelley’s addition to the coaching staff this fall will prove beneficial for the inexperienced goaltenders.

The Cougar midfielders are secure with the return of senior co-captains Brooke Osgood and Kate Willis, a converted defender, along with junior Madeleine Henefield. Each player has the skill to shine in Clark’s transition game. “We are really going to rely on them for direction this year,” said Wage. “They are going to be counted upon to solidify our play between offense and defense, and hopefully add to our scoring punch.”

With a year under their belts, sophomores Lauren Blake and Chelsea Proulx should have no problem finding the back of the cage this season. Finishing second on the team in scoring, Blake (6-0-12) is poised to have a breakout year, while Proulx (2-0-4) should also make an impact. Highly regarded newcomer Sasha Burgess is expected to be a difference-maker and first-year Elizabeth Hattenburg and sophomore Precious Ra’Akbar should also make a contribution.

According to Wage, the addition of three new teams – Becker College, Regis College and Wheelock College – should strengthen the squad’s confidence and groom the group for a tough NEWMAC slate. “Even though we are a young team, we are versatile” said Wage. “If we work on the areas that make a team a good team – like chemistry – and are really passionate about the game, we should improve with each game.”

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30th ANNIVERSARY - STAY TUNED

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HERE BY POPULAR DEMAND - LIVE STATS!

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2007 SCHEDULE

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Field Hockey Office
Linda Wage, Head Coach, 508-793-7637
Email: lwage@clarku.edu