Seniors Lead Quest for Fourth Consecutive National Title

To find a picture of success through hard work in college athletics one must look at the Salisbury University field hockey program and head coach Dawn Chamberlin.

Last year, the Sea Gulls became the first field hockey program, in Division III history, to win three straight national championships. SU has been lights out during its three year run, compiling an amazing 63-2 record.

"Our strength as a team is our overall bond," said Chamberlin of the team's chemistry. "We have players willing to sacrifice for the team."

Chamberlin, the reigning Division III Field Hockey Coach of the Year, doesn't have to look farther then her senior class to find four special players who have a golden opportunity to do something never done before at SU, win four consecutive national titles.

"A lot of our seniors started and made significant contributions as freshmen," said Chamberlin. "They are great leaders and role models, and they don't want to fall short this year."

ATTACK
Seniors Megan Powell (Elkton, Md./Rising Sun), Abby Rowe (Elkton, Md./Elkton) and Lynette Sgrignoli (Enola, Pa./East Pennsboro), a 2005 NFHCA Third Team All-American, anchor the potent Salisbury attack. The trio combined for 43 goals and 95 points in '05. The trio has the right mix of speed, skill and the general overwhelming desire to outwork an opponent to score.

MIDFIELD
Throughout the stretch of championship seasons the SU midfield has been the backbone for the Gulls.

"They are the crucial link [between offense and defense] and must cover the entire field for 70 minutes," said Chamberlin.

Senior Tracey Lloyd (Delmar, Md./Delmar), the rock of the midfield, will be looked to lead the Gulls on and off the field. The 2005 NFHCA Division III First Team All-American scored 11 goals and nine assists (31 points) last season.

DEFENSE
Unlike the deep and experienced midfield the SU defense will have to rely on two juniors to lead the young influx of players. Danielle Twilley (Delmar, Del./Delmar) started all 22 games last season and recorded the seventh most points (11) on the 2005 squad with five goals and an assist.

"We will have to work extra hard on defense and need some young players to step up this year," said Chamberlin. 

The last line of defense for the Gulls is none other then junior goalie Maria Ramoundos (Gloucester, N.J./Highland). The returning starter had an excellent run in the 2005 NCAA tournament last season, being named to the All-Tournament Team. It was Ramoundos who secured the 1-0 shutout against Messiah in the national title game as she made several dazzling saves.

"She gets better and better every year," said Chamberlin. "She has a tremendous drive and motivation to keep the ball out of the net, and she is amazing in tight situations."

FRESHMEN
The incoming freshmen group (Class of 2010) contains some of the best talent in the nation as Chamberlin looks to stock pile her pool of players to continue the current championship run. Several freshmen players should make an immediate impact.

"We have a handful of some of the top players in the country," said Chamberlin, who compares this recruiting class to her current senior class.

Michelle Rowe (Elkton, Md./Elkton), Abby's younger sister, Lauren Correll (Bridgeville, Del./Sussex Tech.) and Beverly Beladino (Putnam Valley, N.Y./Putnam Valley) are among the freshmen that may challenge for starting roles.

Overall, Chamberlin is impressed with her crop of freshmen and is excited for the chance to work each new player into their role within the team.

The SU field hockey team doesn't like to talk about all of their accolades and championships they have earned over the years but for a very special senior class, of four, the Gulls will look to make room for one more national championship in '06.