 |  |
Owls Look to Regain LEC Field Hockey Championship; Video Interview with Coach Watson and Chelsea Blackmer
KEENE, N.H., 8/26/10 – The Keene State field hockey team finds itself in a usual position as it gets set to start its 2010 season. For the first time in five years, the Owls don’t take the field as defending Little East Conference champs.
Disappointed to see her teams’ string of league titles (2004-08) come to an end, Coach Amy Watson and the Owls are energized by the challenge of regaining the conference crown. “In some ways its nice not to have target on our backs, said Watson, whose Owls lost to UMass-Dartmouth (3-2, OT) in last year’s LEC final. They can have the honor this year.”
Hunting instead of defending the LEC championship, Keene State returns five starters and 10 letter-winners from last year’s 18-6 (11-3 LEC) squad that shared the LEC regular season title with three other teams. After reeling off a record six straight shutouts to begin last season, the Owls came up short in an attempt to continue their dynasty and accepted a berth to the ECAC New England tournament after falling to the Corsairs.
But a new season bring renewed optimism. Just a few days into practice, Watson already sees several positive signs. “I’m really excited about the incoming group. They are working real well with the returners,” she said.
Although it’s early in the game, Watson calls her 11 first years one of the largest and strongest recruiting classes.
Watson’s main objective leading up to the Owls’ opening game against Western New England on Wednesday, Sept. 1 is to find a replacement for All-Region and All-LEC goalie Vikki Stoessel and patch up her defense which lost three players, including All-American and LEC defensive player of the year Erin Dallas.
After waiting in the wings the past three seasons, Meghan Ledoux is anxious to take over as the Owls’ top goalie. “It’s a long time coming. I’m looking forward to it,” said the senior from Standish, Maine.
“Meghan looks great this year,” said Watson. “We have complete confidence in her.”
As far as filling the void on the backline, Watson will look to senior Kellie Warning (Putnam Valley, N.Y.), a three-year starter, to anchor the defense along with junior Kerry Howe (Atlantic Highlands, N.J.), who will slide from midfield to the backfield.
The Owls appear to be strong at midfield with the return of seniors Chelsea Blackmer (Boylston, Mass.), the teams’ captain, and Leigh Smith (Sanbornton, N.H.), both All-LEC players, junior Alyce Ferenc (Rumney, N.H.). and sophomore Alex Billert (Center Conway, N.H.). The foursome saw significant playing time last year and is expected to be a force in the middle this fall.
The task upfront is a little more difficult. You don’t replace a player like Carly Benning, who wrapped up her Owls career in style by netting 27 goals and being named an All-America and LEC offensive player of the year.
Watson is hoping that Aislynn Sherry (Rehoboth, Mass.) and Jackie Benson (Hampstead, N.H.), a couple of LEC third-team All-Stars, and Elizabeth Coffin (Sugar Hill, N.H.) can pick up the scoring slack. “It would be nice if they spread the scoring around,’ said Watson. “You don’t want to rely on just one player.”
As in past years, Watson will not only give her first-year players significant playing time, but also utilize her bench. “We’re deep,” said Watson. “I think you’re going to see a lot of new faces make an impact.”
Aimee Donaruma, a versatile freshman from Hampden, Mass. who can play both midfield and defense, and Katelyn Simula, a top backfield recruit from Bridgewater, N.H. lead the list of talented newcomers.
“When you bring in a large group of players it takes a while for things to gel on the field,” said Watson. Hopefully this team can put it together at the right time.”
Up until last year, Keene State had successfully fought off the challenge of improving LEC teams looking to dethrone the Owls. With the tables turned Keene State is looking forward to the challenge of regaining its crown.
Click here for the video interview with coach Watson and senior captain Chelsea Blackmer!
