Field Hockey
2007 Season Recap
Considering the tough schedule the Clark field hockey team faced this season, they pulled through with a staggeringly improved record of 7-10 (2-6 NEWMAC). Not only were the Cougars matched up against nationally ranked Williams College, but they also faced four out of five regionally ranked teams in their conference. Season highlights included an early win over NCAA Tournament contender New England College (5-4) and a string of scattered victories over non-conference teams that include Becker (4-1), Regis (11-0), Wheelock (7-1), and Anna Maria (5-0). Clark also posted consecutive conference wins over MIT (3-2 OT) and Smith (2-1) to conclude the regular season. After being shutout of the NEWMAC tournament last year, the Cougars returned to the postseason stage as the sixth seed. Their season came to an end with a 3-0 loss to third-seeded Wheaton College.
As a team, the Cougars set new marks in three categories this fall, including game points (28), game goals (11), and game assists (7). Clark also performed on the defensive side of the field, where first-year goalkeeper Kathryn Dawsey ’10 finished first overall in the conference in saves per game. Not to mention, the team topped the NEWMAC in total saves with 173. Named to NFHCA All-Region and NEWMAC All-Star teams, Lauren Blake (17-8-42), who placed among the top-10 in the league in every offensive category this year, capped her season ranked 10th and 11th, respectively, in points per game (2.47) and goals per game (1.00) in Division III. Teammate Carley Corkum joined Blake on the All-Conference second team. It was their second all-conference nod.
2007 Season Preview
What a difference a year makes. That’s what veteran head coach Linda Wage hopes will be the case as Clark’s field hockey team enters the 2007 campaign. Returning to the field with 13 letterwinners, including nine sophomores and just five starters, the Cougars’ growth over the last year will be a major factor in the team’s success.
“I’m looking for our sophomore class to step up and make that transition from their first year,” Wage said. “It’s going to come down to their ability to be aggressive, adjust to the college game, and contribute in a positive way.”
While last year’s team finished with a 4-12 (1-7 NEWMAC) mark, Coach Wage must also set about the task of reshuffling a line-up that lost six graduating seniors – five starters – and a two-time NFCA All-Region goalkeeper, the Cougars’ top scorer, and a NEWMAC All-Academic selection.
With that said, there will be several familiar faces on Granger Field this fall. Sophomore NEWMAC All-Star Carley Corkum and Gloria Torres – expected to build on a fine freshman campaign – will bolster Clark’s back-line. According to Wage, second-year players Lauren DeMetro, Anne Marie DiMatteo and Allison Foley should also benefit from an increase in playing time. Newcomer Amalia Dapkiewicz, a two-time defender of the year at Stoneham (Mass.) High, will give the Cougars valuable minutes off the bench.
With four-year starter and All-Conference keeper Kaitlin Kelley not returning, sophomore Kathryn Dawsey and first-year Katelyn McGrath will battle for the top goalie position. Kelley’s addition to the coaching staff this fall will prove beneficial for the inexperienced goaltenders.
The Cougar midfielders are secure with the return of senior co-captains Brooke Osgood and Kate Willis, a converted defender, along with junior Madeleine Henefield. Each player has the skill to shine in Clark’s transition game. “We are really going to rely on them for direction this year,” said Wage. “They are going to be counted upon to solidify our play between offense and defense, and hopefully add to our scoring punch.”
With a year under their belts, sophomores Lauren Blake and Chelsea Proulx should have no problem finding the back of the cage this season. Finishing second on the team in scoring, Blake (6-0-12) is poised to have a breakout year, while Proulx (2-0-4) should also make an impact. Highly regarded newcomer Sasha Burgess is expected to be a difference-maker and first-year Elizabeth Hattenburg and sophomore Precious Ra’Akbar should also make a contribution.
According to Wage, the addition of three new teams – Becker College, Regis College and Wheelock College – should strengthen the squad’s confidence and groom the group for a tough NEWMAC slate.
“Even though we are a young team, we are versatile” said Wage. “If we work on the areas that make a team a good team – like chemistry – and are really passionate about the game, we should improve with each game.”
For more information about Clark University Field Hockey, please contact head coach Linda
Wage at (508) 793-7637 or by email at lwage@clarku.edu
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FIELD HOCKEY ALL CONFERENCE
Second Team
Junior Kathryn Dawsey
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Additional Resources
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