The women's field-hockey team entered the 1995 season with lots of questions and a very positive outlook. At this point, some of those questions have been answered...with a very positive response.
The 1994 campaign was disappointing, as the team was unable to generate any offense, leading to a dismal finish near the bottom of the Ivy League. The '94 squad was fairly young, however, and entering this year the team had a number of reasons to feel confident. "We had nowhere to go but up," Lesley Frieder, DC '96, said.
Returning players like captain Kelli Bartlett, ES '96, and goalkeeper Frieder were providing solid leadership and experience at key positions. The sophomores had a year of college experience, and the incoming freshmen appeared to be extremely talented. The blend was good, but what would come out of the mixer?
Three weeks later, you've got one helluva mixed drink. The undefeated Elis have run roughshod over their opponents thus far, including a Wed., Sept. 20, 1-0 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen, who were ranked 15th in the country.
The win over UMass is a perfect example of why this year's team is poised for a serious run at the Ivy League title. Fifteen minutes into Wednesday night's contest, midfielder Betsy Hagmann, BR '97, took a pass from super frosh Lindsay Hobbs, PC '99, a nd slammed the ball home, giving the Elis all the offense they would need. The solid defense kept the net clear, and goalkeeper Frieder recorded her fourth shutout in five games as the Blue went to 5-0 on the season. "Defensively the front line on back ha s just played really well," Frieder said.
Hobbs has been a driving force behind the improved Eli offense. The freshman has a team-high six goals, including three game-winners already this year, and leads the team with 13 points. Bartlett continues to anchor a very solid defense, while Sarah Ma rtinez, BK '97, has provided an experienced counterpart to Hobbs, recording nine points of her own so far in '95.
Frieder has only allowed two goals in five games, and will undoubtedly be a key for the Elis as they enter into the Ivy League season this weekend at home against Brown. However, the whole team needs to continue to play well. "This has been a real team effort so far," Frieder said. "Lots of people have been contributing at a higher level than ever before." The Bears are one of the weaker teams in the Ivy League, and the Blue should continue their recent dominance, and post another win. "I think the tea m is mentally prepared for Brown," Frieder said.
Experience, enthusiasm, youth, and skill. Mix well, and let settle. That's a recipe for a successful team. When coach Carla Hesler and her players remove the lid of that blender, they might just find an Ivy League crown ready to wear.
Copyright 1995, The Yale Herald, Inc. All rights reserved.
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