Aug. 11, 2010

Complete Northeast-10 Release in PDF Format

The UMass Lowell field hockey team was selected No. 2 in the Northeast-10 Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday. The River Hawks are expected to follow up their third consecutive NCAA Championship game appearance with another strong season in 2010.

The squad is coming off an 18-6 season in 2009, with a 7-3 mark in conference play and nearly perfect 10-1 record at home on Cushing Field. Despite an early exit from the NE-10 Tournament, the River Hawks fought through the NCAA Tournament before falling to Bloomsburg in the title game, 3-2.

UMass Lowell is reloaded with fresh talent, though, and looks to power through its strong schedule this fall.

The top spot in the poll went to the Stonehill Skyhawks, who captured 94 points and five first place votes. The River Hawks were just behind with 91 points and also received five first place votes. Bentley came in third with 83 points, while Adelphi was the only other school to receive a first place vote (one) and 74 points. Rounding out the top five was Merrimack, with 68 points.

“We are flattered to receive so much respect from our conference opponents,” head coach Shannon Hlebichuk said. “But we know that we have to focus on the expectations that we have placed on ourselves and prepare to compete at a very high level in each and every game. We have learned over the years that preseason polls are just that – what people think you are capable of before the season begins.”

The sixth slot went to Franklin Pierce (48), No. 7 Southern Connecticut (48), No. 8 Saint Michael’s (35) and a tie for ninth went to American International and Assumption, with 26 points apiece. Finally, wrapping up the conference, in the No. 11 spot, was Saint Anselm with 14 points.

Top returners include 2009 NE-10 Player of the Year Sammy Macy (Tewksbury, Mass.) and fellow All-American Katie Enaire (Amesbury, Mass.). The duo combined for 47 of the River Hawks’ 89 goals on the year (.528) and notched 13 game-winners between themselves.

Fellow starters that will be returning for the 2010 campaign include Jaime Hadley (Chelmsford, Mass.) and Liz Day (North Andover, Mass.), as well as Annie Hansbury (Plaistow, N.H.), who will help to anchor the back line.

Despite the loss of five seniors from last year’s team, Hlebichuk is welcoming eight freshmen from around the country to help bolster the River Hawks’ efforts during the season.

The River Hawks’ first game is at home on Cushing Field, Friday, Sept. 3 at 12:00 p.m. against Mansfield. They will then hit the road for a five-game road stretch before returning home against conference rival Stonehill on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 p.m.