Field Hockey Aims for Successful 1998
Deacons return eight starters.
Aug. 24, 1998
Consistency. Plain and simple. That is the focus of the 1998 Wake Forest field hockey team. A team that by no means lacks experience, the Demon Deacons return eight starters from the 1997 squad and 14 letterwinners. Add to that a group of freshmen who could have an impact and the outlook is promising for this team in 1998.
"We've got a nucleus of individuals here that are all on the same page," said seventh-year head coach Jennifer Averill. "Our team has become very self-motivated and has done and will continue to do the necessary things it takes for us to achieve our goals."
The Deacons made tremendous strides during the offseason, especially in the weight room. Lacking in strength, Coach Averill challenged her team to become a more well-conditioned team.
"We needed to add strength to our roster and become a more physically fit team," stated Averill. "Our players responded to the challenge they were issued and in superb condition.
"During spring practice we worked extremely hard. They took some risks and as a result are now able to read and play off one another more effectively," stated the head coach.
BACKFIELD
The springboard of any offense is its defense. Despite losing three starters from the backfield a year ago, senior Lisa Andries returns at the right back position. She has scored 11 goals during her three-year stint as a defender. Junior Amy Marchell, a second team South Regional All-American, will see a lot of time at the center back slot. Her versatility, competitive tenacity and ability to get her teammates involved make her a prime player for the position.
The left back position is one that could be filled by a number of players. Junior Lizzy Hechenbleikner, sophomores Erin Mooney and Susie Beers, and incoming freshman Katie Kubic could all see time in the backfield. The three upperclassmen all have a competitive spirit and each is hungry to turn the opposing offense away. Kubic possesses a lot of knowledge about the game for a young player.
The anchor of the defense, the sweeper position, is up for grabs, but junior Juli Lignelli has the inside track on the starting job. Her calm demeanor and excellent vision could help keep opponent goals down.
MIDFIELD/FORWARDS
The Deacons have several key players that will see time in the midfield. In fact, most of the midfielders are primarily forwards. Players such as seniors Amanda Janney and Kelly Simon, junior Kelly Malinoski and sophomore Jenny Everett could spend time at either position.
Everett, the team's leading scorer as a freshman last season, leads the Deacon attack, while Simon guides it. Both are relentless competitors who are willing to make the sacrifice for success. Each is a threat on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Janney is an all-out player who is also willing to sacrifice. During the spring, she improved her shot selection making her a greater offensive threat. Malinoski and Everett each played on a U.S. national team this summer.
Junior Samantha Rush has been an effective force inside the circle. Her physical play makes her an intimidating factor on either end of the field. Senior Julie Jenkin, a versatile player that can add strength to any line, also brings a veteran's presence to the field. Freshmen Nienke van Ruiten and Jennie Shelton will also spend time up front.
GOALKEEPERS
Junior Meaghan Nitka returns as the Deacons' top goalie. She gained valuable experience last season, starting in 17 of 18 games. Nitka finished the season with a save percentage of just under 74 percent (.738%), posting a record of 8-9 on the year.
Her backup will be sophomore Jaime Tressler, who is developing into an outstanding goalkeeper with a great deal of potential.
SCHEDULE
The Demon Deacons open the season with a five-game road swing. The season begins Labor Day weekend in St. Louis at the ACC/Big 10 Challenge against Northwestern and Big 10 champion Michigan. Wake then travles to Richmond for games against CAA members American and Virginia Commonwelath, before going to Duke.
The Deacons then return home for ten consecutive games starting Sept. 18 against William & Mary. This season's home schedule includes North Carolina, Maryland, Duke, Appalachian State and Davidson.
The final three games of the season are on the road at Virginia, North Carolina and St. Joseph's with ACC tournament culminating on Nov. 5-6 and 8 in Charlottesville.
