RELEASED: Aug. 21, 2003

DANVILLE, KY —The 2003 Centre College field hockey season looks to be very promising. With seven returning seniors, including two regional All-America selections (Gina Preston and Liz Lowe, both of Louisville) and a talented freshmen class, Centre looks to challenge for a conference title.

First-year head coach Tom Hobbs is extremely excited about the team's chances. "We definitely need our senior class to step up and be leaders in practice, as well as games," Hobbs said. "Gina Preston, Whitney Van Vactor, Anne Nesmith, and Liz Lowe will be key in controlling our defensive half. Meagan Haag, Lauren Crosby, and Annie Murphy will play in the mid-field and the attack. It's nice to have so many seniors in key places. We're also very fortunate to have solid freshmen joining our other returners."

Seniors Preston, Van Vactor, Lowe, Haag and Murphy are from Louisville. Also part of the senior class, Nesmith is from Prospect, Ky., and Crosby is from Crescent Springs, Ky.

Centre welcomes four incoming freshmen for the 2003 campaign: Rachel Hayden (Louisville - Mercy Academy), Maegan Nash (Louisville - Mercy Academy), Abby Smith (Northbrook, Ill.), and Sara DeSanctis (Louisville - Ballard High School). Sophomore transfer Sabina Kudmani (Louisville - Male High School) also joins the team.

"I'm very excited about each of the new players," Hobbs said. "All five contribute something unique to the team's chemistry. They're working hard and fitting in nicely."

The Colonels hockey team recorded a 10-9 record last year. Hobbs looks for improvement on the offensive side of the pitch to help Centre's strong defensive unit.

"We controlled a lot of games last year in the backfield and midfield, but were unsuccessful in scoring many goals in the attack," he said. "We hope to fix some of the problems from last year. If we can be more efficient offensively, and continue to build on last year's successes defensively, we have a chance to win the conference title."
He added, "The conference title will not be easily attained. Unfortunately for us, everyone we play continues to improve as well."

The Colonels face a challenging schedule that pits them against DePauw University, Rhodes College, and University of the South. Other big games include Bellarmine (an NCAA Division-II affiliate) and Lindenwood University in St. Louis (NAIA).

"In order to be successful, we must do two things all year: work hard, and have fun. And that's exactly what we plan to do," Hobbs said.

- end -

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.

Back to News and Events Home Page