Future Owls play in Twin State field hockey game

KEENE, N.H., 6/28/10 – Keene State coach Amy Watson got a glimpse of the future on Sunday when she attended the 27th Twin State Field Hockey Classic at St. Michael’s College in Colchester.

Watson was on hand to watch four of her recruits; Katlyn Simula from Newfound High School, Nicole Rothwell from Timberlane, and Hannah Gage and Justine Hunnewell, both of Lebanon High who will be playing for the Owls this fall.

All four players earned All-State honors as seniors.

“I thought all four played well,” said Watson. “Over the year’s we’ve had a few players in the game, but never four.”

Although New Hampshire came up on the short end of a 2-0 score against Vermont, the Owl recruits said it was an honor to play in the game.  “It was a huge honor to get selected to play in the game, said Gage, a defender.  “We had some opportunities, but the ball didn’t bounce our way.’

“It was a lot of fun,’ said Simula, the New Hampshire Class M-S player of the year.  “It was nice to meet the other senior players from all over the state.

Both Gage and Simula are looking forward to playing at Keene State in the fall.

“I’m a little bit nervous, but excited said Gage.  “It’s a great school and a great program and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

“I’m wicked excited,” said Simula, who played on three state championship teams at Newfound.  “It was awesome getting to know some of my Keene State teammates.  We’ll all see a familiar face when we get to Keene.”

Blake Wardwell of Woodstock and Grace O’Neil of Essex tallied goals for Vermont, who have prevailed 5-4-1 over the past decade. New Hampshire still leads the series 15-9-3.