Nov. 17, 2009

Shannon Hlebichuk has never forgotten her Amesbury roots since taking over as the UMass Lowell field hockey coach eight years ago.

She's consistently recruited within the River Rival Region, and, more specifically, at Amesbury High. The three-time NCAA Division 2 National Coach of the Year believes her familiarity with the area can help smooth the transition for incoming athletes.

The familiarity may also lend itself to group therapy in times like this. On Sunday, the UMass Lowell field hockey team lost in the NCAA Division 2 national championship game for the third consecutive year. The River Hawks, the fifth-seeded team in the North bracket, fell to the top overall seed in the tournament, Bloomsburg, 3-2, at Stonehill's W.B. Mason Stadium.

Amesbury High alumnae Katie Enaire and Kayla LeSage played key roles for the team, which upset third-seeded Bentley and top-seeded Stonehill in the North bracket prior to Sunday's loss.

Hlebichuk's River Hawks last won a national championship in 2005.

"It's great making it to the national championship game again, but I'd be lying if I said I was satisfied with our finish," Hlebichuk said. "We could have taken that one (on Sunday). We were mixed in a battle, and it's a little disappointing. But it finally clicked for this team in the last two weeks, so I'm pleased that we got the Lowell edge back in our three tournament wins."

Enaire, a junior, emerged as one of the team's top offensive weapons this season. Her 22 goals were second to front-line partner Sammy Macy (26 goals), who was the Northeast-10 Conference Player of the year.

"It's been a fun year, but we know we should have won that championship," Enaire said. "We felt like we wanted it more. After the game, Shannon basically said the score didn't reflect the way we played."

UMass Lowell held the advantage in shots (6-4) and penalty corners (6-3). Still, Bloomsburg (22-1) won its second national championship in a row by beating the Riverhawks (18-6).

LeSage, whom Hlebichuk described as the team's unsung hero, rotated between midfield and defensive positions. Her senior class finished its career with a 75-19 record along with four NCAA semifinal appearances, three NCAA championship game appearances, two NE-19 championships and an NE-10 regular season title.

"We saw a huge improvement in Kayla this year, even as a senior," Hlebichuk said. "Her skills were better, she understood the defense and she offered leadership and experience. It's nice to know our players continue to get better even as seniors."

Hlebichuk even added an Amesbury High alumna to her coaching staff in 2008, when she hired Salisbury native and Amesbury High alumna Josselyn Mroz. Less than 24 hours removed from the latest national championship game loss, Hlebichuk had already penciled in herself, Mroz and Enaire for a trip to next year's Final Four in Louisville, Ky.

"I will be back next year, and I'm excited about the junior class that's returning. That includes Katie. I've already coined the slogan, 'The road to Louisville.' I feel invigorated after watching the way we played the last two weeks. I think the players feel the same way."