2010 Field Hockey Season Preview

The Soaring Eagles look to build on the successful foundations of 2009 as they move forward into the 2010 Field Hockey season. Fourth year Head Coach Anna Rogers has put together a collection of energetic, hardworking women that have the ability to improve greatly for the 2010 season. A good combination of youth and experience has Elmira College optimistic for success in the competitive Empire 8 Conference this season.

The team will rely on the leadership of their five returning Class of 2011 players. Megan Werner ’11 (Vestal, NY -- Vestal Central) appeared in all 16 games, while starting 15 for the Purple and Gold. Werner produced 17 shot attempts and assisted on one goal during the ’09 campaign. Sharon Johnson ’11 (South Portland, ME -- South Portland) took the field 14 times and registered 8 shots with 4 being on net for the Soaring Eagles. Ariana Farricielli ’11 (Hamden, CT -- Hamden Hall Country Day), Caitlin Roman ’11 (Verbank, NY -- Millbrook), and Andrea Nickerson ’11(Friendship, NY -- Friendship) also gained valuable experience in ’09. Farricielli appeared in 14 contests for the Purple and Gold, while Roman took the field 11 times.

The EC offense will be led by third year player Sarah Thomassen ’12 (Stewartstown, PA -- Kennard-Dale). Thomassen appeared in 15 games in her second season, recording one goal for Elmira. Thomassen was also awarded by the Empire 8 Athletic Conference as the Sportswoman of the Year for her contributions as a Soaring Eagle in ’09. Delaney Evans ’12 (Wayne, ME -- Maranacook) and Ashley Leja ’12 (Auburn, NY -- Dana L. West) also made quality contributions last season for the Purple and Gold. Evans took the field 15 times for EC, while Leja made 15 starts at midfield assisting on one goal in her first season with the team.

First year players Alexandra Maffei ’13 (Wayne, NJ -- Morristown-Beard) and Gina Maffei ’13 (Wayne, NJ -- Morristown-Beard) provided Elmira College with a solid foundation for the Field Hockey program in ’09. The two athletes will look to benefit from the valuable experience gained in ’09 as Alexandra appeared in 14 games for EC with 3 starts and Gina saw action in 11 games with 5 starts.

The Soaring Eagles open up the 2010 season at William Smith College on September 7th at 7:00 p.m.