FROSTBURG, Md. - ‘Fresh’ is the buzzword floating around the Frostburg State field hockey program as it embarks on its 2011 season. From the coaching staff to the uniforms, there is an air of newness encompassing the team after a disappointing 3-17 record in 2010.

New head coach Carly Sweeney comes to Frostburg after successful stints as an assistant at Keene St. (N.H.) and as the head coach at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, Calif.

“I try not to look at the statistics from last year because it’s such a fresh start,” Sweeney said. “Our goal this year is to make it into postseason play. It’s a very attainable goal.”

To reach the Capital Athletic Conference tournament in its second year as a member of the league, Frostburg State will have to shore up a defense that allowed 519 shots and 93 goals. In comparison, the Bobcats registered 199 and 29, respectively.

“Our saving grace, in terms of defense last year, was Maggie,” Sweeney said, referring to junior goalkeeper Maggie Edwards (Lebanon, N.J./Hunterdon Central Regional).

Junior goalkeeper Maggie Edwards

Edwards made 242 saves, ranking her seventh in the nation in saves per game in Division III.

“Statistically, if you look at her, she’s far beyond the typical D3 goalie,” the coach said. “Her - combined with our defensive line - means we should be okay back there.”

Sophomore Kellen Murphy (Ashton, Md./Saint John’s) is a hard worker who provides a steady insurance policy in goal for Edwards.

On defense, junior Heather Gray (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin) and sophomore Tiffany Weschler (Olney, Md./Sherwood) are solidified on the backline. Both players appeared in 12 games last year, with Gray starting three and Weschler eight. Weschler contributed last season with a pair of defensive saves.

The other spots on defense are up for grabs. Junior forward Erin Johns (Halethorpe, Md./Lansdowne) and sophomore Amanda Lennon (Brandywine, Md./Thomas Stone) are wildcards as the team heads into the regular season. Sweeney said she’d like to put those two in the midfield, but injuries and other factors may point those two to defense.

“Erin is very quick and will blow right by you, and you won’t even see her. She’s very, very aggressive.”
No matter where they play, both will be factors in the Bobcats’ success.

“Both have pretty superb stick skills and they’re very quick, so they’d be great in that midfield position,” Sweeney said. But she also quickly added that if they’re needed to be defenders, that’s where they’ll be utilized.

“We can’t afford to be weak on defense.”

Sophomore Tori Suess (Milton, Del./Sussex Tech) made 17 starts in her rookie year and will be an anchor on the defensive line. Her ability to see the field well and make quick decisions are very important in that anchor position as one of her main responsibilities will be to move the ball wide. 

Sophomore defender Tori Suess

“She’s fit, quick and a hard worker,” Sweeney said. “Those are nice attributes to have at that position.”

Junior Megan Robertson (Lusby, Md./Patuxent) and sophomores Jaclyn Sauer (Baltimore, Md./Eastern Tech) and Courtney Abell (Leonardtown, Md./Leonardtown) round out the Bobcats’ defensive corps. Robertson, who’s been slowed by an ankle injury in the preseason, led the team with four defensive saves in 2010.

Sweeney felt that the team will be more offensive oriented this season, and the Bobcats boast a couple of weapons at forward.

Senior Chelsea Smith (Mt. Airy, Md./South Carroll) can control the ball and see the field well according to her coach. Her ability to push the center of the field should open up plenty of options for the Bobcats offense. Smith was third on the team with eight points last year, netting three goals and adding two assists. As the lone senior, her role transcends her play on the field.

“She’s a great leader. She has learned to be a leader for this program through its ups and downs,” Sweeney said. “She’s pretty much seen it all.”

Junior Alli Elliott (Mechanicsville, Md./Chopticon) and sophomore Becky Randel (Columbia, Md./Long Reach) will man the wings at forward. Sweeney singled out Randel’s ability to stickhandle and dribble with the ball. Both are capable of causing headaches for opposing defenses.

Junior Rachel Merritt (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) will be the center midfielder. Her main duty will be to push the ball up the field and feed the three forwards. Merritt works tirelessly and will be a big part in setting up the forwards for scoring opportunities.

“She has the stamina of a racehorse,” Sweeney said.

Eunice Rijos (Millersville, Md./Old Mill) is a newcomer to the program and to the sport of field hockey. After trying out for the team in the spring, Sweeney is pleasantly surprised by the progress she’s made in such a short amount of time.

Junior midfielder Rachel Merritt

Freshman Colby Wright (Gaithersburg, Md./Wootton) is fighting an ankle injury that could sideline her at the season’s onset but was producing in camp. Fellow freshman Emily Watkins (Arnold, Md./Broadneck Senior) adjusted fairly quickly to her first collegiate training camp. Sweeney believes that she, along with Wright, will be able to mix it up with the upperclassmen sooner rather than later.

“Those two will make some waves in this program in the next four years.”

Freshmen Ashley Kunzman (Ashton, Md./Sherwood), Katie Farr (Waldorf, Md./Thomas Stone) and Katie Kammauff (Charlottesville, Va./Charlottesville) have shown lots of potential and look to be contributors down the line.

With a schedule that includes perennial powers Salisbury and Christopher Newport along with a traditionally tough CAC slate, Sweeney understands the realistic nature of her expectation to qualify for the conference tournament.

“Winning and being successful are two different things for me,” she said. “Being successful is setting a goal and doing the things necessary to attain those goals. And that’s what we’re going to do.”