[Kutztown Fall Roundup] Field Hockey: Golden Bears Look for Another Post-Season Bid

[Josh Leiboff]

Golden Bears Look for Another Post-Season Bid

      The 2005 Kutztown University field hockey team will look to expand on last year's successful season that resulted in a trip to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) semifinals.  The Golden Bears will seek a trip to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since the tournament expanded to six teams last season.  KU will have the benefit of a new artificial turf field, which should make play more consistent.

      Head coach Betty Wesner will have a group of well-seasoned veterans to lead the  post-season push.  The team's strength should once again be its defense, despite the loss of All-American Erin Livingston.  Senior Colleen Healey, a second-team All-American, will lead the backfield.  In 2004, she had three goals, three assists and two defensive saves.   

      Joining Healey in the back will be Jaime Kennally and Amanda Behney.  Behney was the team's third-leading scorer last year with 14 points, but moves to the back this fall to replace Livingston.  Kennally adds experience to the backfield through quickness and knowledge of KU's defensive scheme.

      Laura Belfatti and Laura Kline return as starters in the midfield.  Belfatti tied for second on the team with six goals scored.  Kline, a second team All-PSAC team pick, was second on the squad with four assists and added a pair of goals.

      On the front line, the team will need to replace a pair of departed starters.  Mandi Turner is Kutztown's top returning scorer with six goals, three assists and 15 points in 2004.  Lauren McCabe also returns with her 11 points from four goals and three assists.  Heather Hoxter scored three goals as a key reserve last season, and Laura Wieder should also play a larger role.  Tristin Ludy should provide depth.

      Three-year starting goalkeeper Trista Hershey returns for her senior season.  She has started 55 career games, posting career bests with a 1.30 goals-against average and six shutouts in 2004.  Sam Flowers will serve as her backup.

      Coach Wesner is excited about an incoming recruiting class that should contribute as freshmen. Kelly Healey (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), sister of Colleen, will look to challenge for time after earning All-State honors in New Jersey.  Lindsey Bozarth (Collingswood, NJ/Collingswood) will also compete for time at forward.  In the midfield and backfield, Courtney Geibel (Mifflintown/Juniata) will provide depth.  Bozarth and Geibel were both all-conference picks in high school.

      Those three newcomers are also excellent students and should help KU maintain its excellence in the classroom.  Kutztown  was third in Division II with a 3.30 GPA in 2004.

            KU opens its season at the Shippensburg Tournament with a contest against Southern Connecticut State on August 26 at 11:30 AM.

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Josh Leiboff
Kutztown University Sports Information
Phone: (610) 683-4182
Fax: (610) 683-4676
Email: leiboff at kutztown.edu
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