2008 VCU FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW
As Head Coach Kelly McQuade begins her second year at the helm of the VCU Field Hockey program, she brings with her an excitement and enthusiasm for the 2008 season.

“We’re trying to ingrain this sense of success, that it is achievable, and it can happen and it is very close to being a reality,” McQuade remarked. “This year, my goal is to obviously do better than we did last year.”

The Rams improved to 5-13 last season, including overtime losses to ranked opponents American, Delaware and Old Dominion. Despite a tough Colonial Athletic Association schedule and several heartbreakers last year, McQuade, maintains optimism about her team’s immediate potential.

“This team has proven to be a very strong competitor. Last season was one where our record did not reflect our accomplishments. We made great strides to earn the respect of our opponents.”

In the fight to be at the top of the CAA, the Rams return 12 players and bring in five new faces. 

DEFENSE
One key returnee is starting senior keeper and co-captain Laura Baker, who logged over 670 minutes in the box and recorded a .712 save percentage last season. Baker, who has booked significant playing time since her freshman year, has played over 1900 minutes, made 172 saves, and averaged as high as a .789 save percentage. 

In her career, Baker has provided her team with not only a keeper, but a leader.

“Laura’s leadership qualities are endless. Being that she has such great game experience and she is a keeper, her leadership on the field is pertinent,” comments McQuade.  “Laura’s maturity level both on and off the field have been a tremendous help for her teammates as well as myself.”

Along with Baker, senior co-captain Nina Banaag provides seniority and experience. Banaag started all 18 games last season.

Adding to the experience on defense are seniors Nikki Hollibaugh, Megan Sauder and Alaina Vernetti.

Hollibaugh brings versatility to the defense, firing 10 shots and finishing with a .600 shot-on-goal percentage last season.

An anchor on the Rams defense, Sauder saw action in 14 matches and was named to the All-CAA Second-Team.

Vernetti contributes a strong sense of defense; she is the only Ram on the team to record a defensive save last season.

The junior defensive-midfielders Lindsay Shacklette and Rachel Krumm supply action on both ends of the field. Shacklette registered four shots in 16 games last season, while Krumm notched three goals and 18 shots. Ashley Aston will also provide extra support on the defensive end.

Baker and Banaag, along with a this veteran unit, will help lead this defense that has only two rookies this year, defender Lyndsey Butler and keeper Erin Jablonski.

Jablonski was a four-year member of her high school’s field hockey and lacrosse teams in Charlottesville, Va. She broke the school record for saves her junior year.

OFFENSE
In contrast to the veteran defense, VCU’s offense is a young one, yet McQuade is excited about her freshmen class.

“I believe that we are in a great position right now to be a threat,” she said. “Our freshmen forwards are doing a great job and are challenging our upperclassmen for starting roles. They are hungry to score and eager to improve themselves.” 

Freshmen Hannah Lyerly, Meg Thaxton, and Courtney Williamson are all vying for playing time up top. 

Junior Lindsay Jones and sophomore Rosan van Eijkelenburg will be leading the offense in the forward positions. Both contributed to the offensive effort with one goal each last season. The two also notched one goal each in the Rams’ scrimmage against Radford Aug. 23.

Also returning for the Rams are sophomore midfield twins Flore and Marle van Dessel. 

Flore was named to the CAA All-Rookie team last season after leading the Rams with five assists. 

Marle started in 17 games and saw action in all 18 matches.  Marle also provides a boost on the offensive end, recording two goals and 26 shots.

“We are very lucky to have our core defensive unit returning,” McQuade said, “The experience the van Dessel twins have gained in their freshman years will help them to anchor down the midfield. I believe that we will have a great season behind their on-field leadership.”

SCHEDULE
The season kicks off Friday as VCU travels to Fairfield for the season opener.  The Rams face a challenging season, including matches against Maryland, James Madison, Old Dominion and Virginia ranked No. 2, 7, 8 and 11, respectively.  VCU also will participate in at tournament at Davidson.  The home opener is schedule for Sep. 13 against Saint Joseph’s.