The Wooster field hockey team returned to campus this year looking to build on the stellar successes from last year’s season.† Last season the Fighting Scots managed to dominate the competition, claiming a spot as the North Coast Athletic Conference champions and recording two wins in the NCAC championship tournament in addition to a victory at nationals.
The team will be led by three-time All-American Amanda Artman ë10 who is the current leading scorer in all of Div. III field hockey. In addition to the return of Artman, the Scots will also have a powerhouse forward line including co-captain Eileen Barrer ë11, Maddie Hart ë12, Laura German ë13, and Amanda Graeser ë13. Barrer will be seeking to build on three outstanding seasons, each of which has ended with 13 goals. In addition, she has obtained a total of 14 assists giving her an impressive total of 92 career points.
Hart is coming off an impressive finale to last season with two goals in the NCAA tournament.† Despite their excellent record these women have enormous shoes to fill after the loss of graduate Brittany Montgomery ë10 ó a major offensive force scoring 11 goals and five assists for the Fighting Scots last season.
In addition to the returning stars on the forward line, midfielders and co-captains Stephanie Standera ë11 and Kate Valora ë11 have returned for their fourth year. Standera has become a key offensive weapon with 19 career assists and Valora is one the Scots leading defensive powers. Nina Dine ë11 will lead Dana Feit ë13 and Lauren Grimanis ë12 in the backfield. This combination should provide the Scots with one of the most dominant defenses in the NCAC. Topping off the Scots defense is Madalyn Myers ’12 who is a two time all-conference player with a .788 save percentage.
The Scots first game of the season against Ohio Wesleyan University resulted in defeat, with a final score of 1-2.† Though the Scots dominated in number of corners as well as shots on goal, they were unable to get enough balls into the cage.
Scots fans should be looking forward to watching an impressive veteran team on the field this year despite the loss against OWU. Keep an eye on these women as they look to continue their streak of four NCAC championships. Wooster is returning seven all-conference players who will hope to lead the Scots back to nationals.