June 6, 2006

Fairfield, CT - Sacred Heart field hockey coach Chris Blais has announced the Pioneers recruting class for the upcoming 2006 season. The 2005 Northeast Conference Tournament Champions will welcome eight new faces to Campus Field this fall.

The Pioneers will welcome four new forwards to their attack this year: Kelsey Zeyher (Poughkeepsie, NY/Arlington Senior), Brittany Rosselle (Pawling, NY/Pawling), Whitney Russo (Waterville, ME/Waterville Senior) and Dustyn Gomes (Lincoln, RI/Lincoln).

Blais is impressed with each players offensive ability. "Kelsey is extremely athletic and very intuitive," Blais said. "Brittany is a very competitive and skillful forward, while Whitney has excellent stick skills and works exceptionally well with other players. Dustyn brings an incredible work ethic and drive."

Two new sticks will patrol the midfield for Sacred Heart as the Pioneers welcome Brie Mallon (New Fairfield, CT/New Fairfield) and Ashley Lopes (Teaticket, MA/Falmouth High School).

Blais said the two freshmen will likely contribute in the midfield or on defense. "Brie has excellent vision and movement on and off the ball and Ashley is a strong distributor who will bring extreme intensity and determination."

Erica Benn (Oakhurst, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) and Heather Jones (Colts Neck, NJ/St. John Vianney) will each don the red and white for the first time on defense for the Pioneers. "Heather is a skillful defender with incredible knowledge of the game, while Erica's greatest strength is her positioning which allows her to make strong tackles and distribute the ball," Blais said.

Blais is excited about the potential of her newcomers. "Overall the greatest strength of our freshmen class is power and speed," she said. "Many of the players will be coming into their freshmen season with lots of great experience."

The Pioneers open the 2006 season August 26th when they visit Maine.