University of Richmond Athletics
Field Hockey: Inherit the Past...Usher in the Future
08/26/2003 | Field Hockey
Aug. 26, 2003
After an Atlantic 10 Championship and a NCAA Tournament bid in 2002, this year's Richmond field hockey team is looking to take the next step forward and continue building a nationally competitive program. Under third year head coach Ange Bradley, the Spiders are ready to defend their title and return to the national stage.
The 2002 Spiders finished with a 17-7 mark, the most wins in program history, and compiled a perfect 6-0 record in Atlantic 10 play before winning the conference title. Advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever, the Spiders fell in first-round action to top-seeded Old Dominion.
"Winning the Atlantic 10 was a great starting point for the program," Bradley commented, "We want to find a way to put ourselves in the position to play for a second championship and return to the NCAA Tournament."
Playing a demanding schedule, Richmond faces five teams that finished last season ranked in the nation's Top 20 and four squads that participated in the NCAA Tournament.
"When building a program, it is necessary to gradually increase the strength of the schedule each year," Bradley explained. "Our challenge is to consistently compete with teams at the next level and the competition as an opportunity to measure the growth of our program."
Losing seven players to graduation, including the 2002 Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year Jill Murphy, Richmond's roster is dominated by underclassmen. With only two seniors, the Spiders will be looking to their younger players to step into key roles.
"With 18 freshmen and sophomores, there is a greater parity amongst our players," Bradley said. "Our players possess similar skill level, which creates depth from the bench, and should enable us to utilize a rotational style."
Richmond's seniors Lydia Decembrino and Brittney Parrish will be expected to provide leadership on the field as the Spiders' underclassmen gain confidence through game experience.
FORWARDS
Bradley will look to Parrish, last year's leading scorer, to anchor Richmond's offensive attack. An All-Conference selection in 2002, Parrish's ten goals led the conference and her ten assists ranked third in the league.
"Brittney sets an excellent example with her strong work ethic and this enables her to be a leader both on and off the field. With a young group of forwards, Brittney's leadership skills will be needed on the forward line. She knows how to score and I am looking forward to seeing her lead this team," Bradley remarked.
After moving into a starting role last year, junior Laura Hur returns for the Spiders on the offensive end. Hur scored five goals last year and, according to Bradley, is one of Richmond's most underrated players.
"Laura is an amazing passer and has the ability to make things happen on the field," Bradley noted. "Her greatest strengths are her individual defense and her ability to do the simplest things well. This is an ability that is often overlooked in our game."
Bradley expects sophomore Whitney Wells to compete for a starting role in Richmond's attack. One of the most improved players on the squad, Wells played in 19 contests with three starts last year.
"Whitney has a nose for the goal and loves to finish," Bradley added.
Described as a "hard worker", junior Danica Haupt will add depth to the forward line, providing valuable minutes off the bench.
In addition, freshmen Amanda Florio and Heather Wrublesky will challenge Richmond's returning players for starting roles in the front line. Florio brings international experience to the team while Wrublesky has the ability to create scoring opportunities. Rhiannon Nolt will also see playing time at the forward position in her first year.
MIDFIELD
Richmond's midfield will be anchored by returning sophomores Allie Howard and Colleen Wevodau, both of whom saw quality minutes as freshmen. Howard, who started 23 games as a back last season, moved to the midfield position during the spring season. Wevodau, a quick player with good stick skills, is expected to move into the starting line-up.
"Allie has excellent game sense and, because of this, is a great on-field leader. She has stepped up her game and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done," Bradley remarked. "Colleen has shown that she has the ability to shoot and score and will be our attacking midfielder."
Incoming freshmen Jana Ebert and Inge van Bogerijen will all immediately see playing time. Ebert has the "quickest hands of any Richmond player" and has an amazing ability to possess the ball. Van Bogerijen is a flexible player that will add to the Spiders' set play options.
BACKS
The Spiders' defense is experienced, returning four players who saw significant minutes last year as Richmond ended the season ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense (1.26). Senior Lydia Decembrino, the Atlantic 10's Defensive Player of the Year and MVP of the conference championship, returns to lead the Spiders' backfield. In addition, Decembrino scored four goals, including two game-winners and added five assists last year.
"Lydia is a great competitor and a player that wants the ball when the game is on the line," Bradley stated.
After starting 23 of 24 games last year, sophomore Michelle La Force will be a fixture in Richmond's starting line-up. An elite athlete, La Force is a terror on the defensive end but also has the ability to generate offense, as seen with her three goals and three assists last year.
"Michelle's competitiveness is second to none," Bradley said. "She has phenomenal speed out of the backfield and uses this to pressure opponents."
Sophomores Emma Bradley and Lesley Russell will play prominently in Richmond's backfield. Moving from the midfield, Bradley's knowledge of the game combined with her ability to hit the ball adds a new element to our game. An extremely smart player, Russell's game improved tremendously during the spring and she will assume a starting role in the Spiders' defense.
Additionally, sophomores Ashley Barnes and Jessica Stern will play key reserve roles in Richmond's backfield.
Transfer Kerry Sallee will add depth to the defense after her adjustment to Richmond's style of play.
GOALKEEPERS
After earning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year honors, sophomore Michelle Swartz returns to the goal for the Spiders. Swartz finished 11th in the nation with a GAA of 1.26, allowing only 32 goals in 1781 minutes of play. In addition, Swartz's eight shutouts led the conference.
"Michelle's greatest strength in the goal is her mental toughness," Bradley commented. "She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence and pushes herself beyond all limits."
Freshman Sarah Abboud brings a State Championship mentality with her and will challenge Swartz for playing time.
