Season Preview: Sea Gulls poised to defend national championship

SALISBURY, Md. – There's only one thing better than winning an NCAA championship: winning back-to-back NCAA championships. That's what the 2010 Salisbury University field hockey team hopes to accomplish this season as the reigning Division III national champions set out to defend their title and continue the program's reputation for excellence both on and off the field. The maroon and gold are already off to a great start, being ranked No. 1 in the NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) preseason poll.

It won't be easy for the Sea Gulls, who lost five seniors to graduation, but Head Coach Dawn Chamberlin is confident in the depth of her squad this year. "The returning players are very excited," said Chamberlin, who enters her 24th season at the helm of the field hockey program. "They take a lot of pride in being reigning national champions and they've worked very hard in the off-season."

Though this year's returning players have a national title under their belt, it doesn't mean that their spots will be guaranteed this year. "We have a very strong incoming freshman class and a couple of transfers coming in," said Chamberlin. "Starting positions are up in the air. Nobody comes in guaranteed – they have to earn it, and that competitiveness keeps us sharp.

"It's not going to be based on seniority; it's going to be based on who can bring the most to the team."

FORWARDS/MIDFIELD

The maroon and gold lost two strong forwards to graduation in three-time All-American Lauren Correll and Beverly Beladino, but look to a combination of both upper and underclassmen to fill their spots on the field. Juniors Caitlin Walker and Alison Bloodsworth were mainstays on the Sea Gulls' offense last year, and should maintain their status as big contributors in the 2010 season. Sophomore forward Kristina Fusco, who played in all 21 games for the Gulls in her debut season, will add to the maroon and gold's stellar offense. Salisbury will also see two new additions to its offense in sophomore Erica Henderson and freshman Rebecca Hasz. "We have a very, very strong rookie class," said Chamberlin. "They're really going to complement and push our returners to play harder."

The Sea Gulls will look to continue their offensive onslaught in 2010; in 2009, Salisbury outscored its opponents 82-11 and boasted the fifth-best scoring average in the country, averaging 3.89 goals per game.

The Sea Gulls return several midfielders from last year's squad, though three of the five seniors lost to graduation played in that position. Fans should watch for two new faces in freshmen Emily Voshell and Jessica Seay. Senior Kandice Hancock, an All-American selection in 2008, and junior forward Courtney Webster will step on the field once again after early injuries last year kept them on the sidelines for the majority of the season.

DEFENSE

Salisbury's nationally-touted defense will be anchored by Tara McGovern, a junior back, who continued to impress last season after a highly successful freshman campaign in 2008 in which she was named CAC Rookie of the Year. In 2009, McGovern was named CAC Player of the Year before garnering All-America honors. She will be joined by senior midfielders Katy Lamboni and Katie Fost as well as senior defensive back Ashley Kisner and junior defensive back Shannon Hanratty. The depth and experience in Salisbury's defense will only be compounded by the addition of sophomore Amber Holland, a Division I transfer.

Junior goalkeeper Anna Cooke looks to be the frontrunner in the cage, though the other keeper on this year's squad, freshman Amanda Lindsey, is also expected to see time in the goal. Protected by her outstanding teammates on defense, Cooke boasted the top GAA (goals against average) in all of Division III last year at 0.53.

SCHEDULE

The road to the championship is rarely an easy one, and this year is certainly no exception. The Sea Gulls will face last year's NCAA championship runners-up, Messiah College, on the road early in the season. "I enjoy playing Messiah. It's always a good clean game against them, but it's just one game in the season. They'll be good, but so will everybody else," noted Chamberlin.

"The unique thing about Salisbury Athletics is that having the opportunity to play Salisbury is the highlight of everybody's schedule. They're all bringing their 'A-game'. We don't have a relaxing game – we have to constantly be at 100 percent."

The Sea Gulls' schedule is stacked with tough competition, including a home contest against rival The College of New Jersey on SU's Homecoming Weekend (October 16 at 6 p.m.). "Unfortunately we had some weather issues last year and didn't have the chance to play TCNJ," Chamberlin said, "but we're looking forward to it this year on our home field."

Additionally, the maroon and gold will look to continue their stronghold on the conference, setting out to capture the program's 16th consecutive CAC championship in 2010. Salisbury has not lost a conference championship since 1994, and a Sea Gull athlete has earned the CAC Field Hockey Player of the Year award for 13 of the last 14 years.

Salisbury's roster includes an optimal mix of both returning and new players, each of whom will bring their own unique skills onto the field. "Their hard work over the summer and winning a national championship last year gave them confidence. Even though we lost five seniors, people are going to be surprised at what we bring."