2006 Season Outlook
Aug 22 | Field Hockey
Buoyed by the return of 11 letterwinners and seven starters
from a year ago, and with a talented 10-person recruiting class in the fold,
the Rutgers field hockey team is pointing
towards the 2006 season with great optimism.
Replacing veteran defensive contributors will be a challenge. Rutgers graduated three key backs that helped anchor the defense for a team that compiled a hard-luck 7-12 record in 2005 against an arduous schedule that included four ranked opponents.
The 2006 Scarlet Knights will rely heavily on its sophomore and junior classes as the roster does not feature a single senior. Despite the lack of seniors, fourth-year head coach Liz Tchou is excited about her team's leadership, which will largely be supplied by its tri-captains Corrine Bach (Moorestown, NJ), Caitlin Browne (Middletown, NJ) and Rosalyn Wentko (Dallas, PA).
Regarded as the leader of the defense, Bach is a junior back who started all 19 games in the midfield a year ago and compiled 11 assists. Browne is a redshirt sophomore back who started 17 games last season and is making the transition from midfield, while Wentko is a junior goalie who posted a .627 save percentage last year.
"We lost some close games last season and our record did not reflect how much work we put in," said Tchou. "It was a frustrating season, and these three captains have shown a lot of maturity and have been able to overcome adversity on and off the field throughout their careers. We think each captain brings a different perspective, and they are doing a great job imparting their wisdom on the younger players."
Redshirt sophomore Carrie Grainger (Island Heights, NJ) headlines this year's group of forwards after contributing seven points (three goals, one assist) in 2005. Others who will figure heavily in the mix at forward this season include a host of talented freshmen in Jessika Hoh (Allentown, PA), Brittany Bybel (Millville, NJ), Sarah Dunn (Eaton, NY) and Kristen Johnson (Sachem, NY).
"We're more athletic at that position with a few experienced players who understand the patterns we run," said Tchou. "We will be exciting to watch with our ability to move the ball quickly from the back to the attacking circle."
The Rutgers lineup also features another dangerous offensive force in sophomore midfielder Amy Lewis (Hainesport, NJ), who earned second-team all-BIG EAST honors in 2005 following a freshman campaign that saw her score six goals and assist on four others. Lewis was a heralded recruit a year ago whose 109 career goals were the sixth-best total in state history.
"Amy will be a huge part of our attack this year. She knows the game and communicates the game well," said Tchou. "Amy is a talented player who also gets her teammates involved. She's a real leader, even though she is still young."
Tchou will also turn to a couple of other experienced performers to the take the lead in the midfield unit. Junior Catherine Badolato (Berlin, NJ) scored four goals from the forward position last year and will be looking to make the transition to midfield in 2006. Sophomore Karen Brewster (Chico, CA) is another versatile player who saw extensive time at forward last season.
"By moving some experience back a line, this gives us a little more balance on the attack in situations where we are looking to score," said Tchou. "Cat (Badolato) had a terrific off-season, has worked really hard and shown tremendous improvement, while Karen is an aggressive player who has tremendous awareness on the field."
The Scarlet Knights are hopeful their leading scorer from a year ago, junior Jocelyn Mattina (Bethlehem, PA), who scored 17 points in 2005 (three goals, 11 assists), will return to the lineup. Mattina is rehabilitating a foot injury that required surgery in the off-season. Freshmen Katie Feeley (Collingswood, NJ) and Jill Beck (Spring City, PA) are a pair of athletic midfielders who bring a solid work ethic to the program.
The Scarlet Knight defense will be anchored by Bach and Browne, along with juniors Marielle Zibman (Princeton Junction, NJ) and Jessica Roos (Mickleton, NJ) and redshirt sophomore Kim Scott (Somerdale, NJ). Further depth will be provided by freshmen Melissa Bowman (Ronks, PA) and Chelsey Schwab (Pottstown, PA).
"We have some players who are being moved from other positions to the back and we've really improved ourselves there," said Tchou. "Zibman, Roos and Bach are all solid, and Browne has experience and a strong skill set to do well at that position."
Rutgers has three goalkeepers on its roster in Wentko and a pair of freshmen in Leslie Kelly (Glassboro, NJ) and Lauren DeCerbo (Tabernacle, NJ). Wentko saw action in 18 games last season and posted a 3.23 goals against average and ranked third in the BIG EAST with 101 saves.
"Rosalyn is a good communicator and leader on the field and is doing a great job in her role mentoring the two freshmen," said Tchou. "They will all fight for the position."
Rutgers is a team that features a blend of new faces and veterans, many of whom will be playing in different positions this season. It's a team that excites Tchou from an athletic and chemistry standpoint.
"Overall we will be more attack-oriented and more aggressive on offense and defense," said Tchou. "Our system will continue to feature possession-oriented hockey, but will be more free within the structure. Our returning players have a greater knowledge of the game, understanding what a year can do for you. I like our group of wide-eyed freshmen and what they bring as far as energy and athleticism."
Early non-conference games against teams such as William & Mary, American and Temple will help the Scarlet Knights prepare for the likes of BIG EAST heavyweights Connecticut and Louisville.
"As always, our schedule will be challenging, but overall this group has a great chemistry about them and I am excited," Tchou said.
