Central Michigan University Athletics
Field Hockey Season Outlook
8/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Aug. 23, 2004
For the 2004 Central Michigan University field hockey team, its first game can not come soon enough.
"The team is excited and feels likes it is ready to take on the challenges of the season," said head coach Cristy Freese. "We had an excellent spring and the fall could not come soon enough for our players."
After a strong second half of the 2004 season, CMU looks to build on that momentum to help it earn its second Mid-American Conference title in three years.
"The early part of the 2003 season was tough because we had to replace some of the key components of the 2002 championship team with players who had little experience," said head coach Cristy Freese. "As the season progressed, we settled on a starting lineup. That is when we started to gain momentum and were successful.
"We did lose a couple key components from last year's team, but, unlike a year ago, we now have experienced players waiting in the wings to step-in and fill those spots."
The depth of the squad is a major difference from last season with so many experienced players returning.
"I feel we have 20 players on this team that can contend for a starting spot," said Freese. "That presents an exciting challenge for the coaching staff because we want to have the best unit on the field at all times.
"My motto has always been that the best players play, no matter if you are a freshman or a senior. The group of freshmen we have coming in have the physical skills to play right away, but I look for the players with the most experience to step up and lead this team."
One of the keys for a successful season will be the attitude and personality of the team and how it deals with such a deep lineup.
"It is important that we put the team goals ahead of individual goals," said Freese. "I want our players to be motivated by their own goals, but its important not to let those goals cloud our focus of things the team wants to accomplish. Trying to help our players find a solid balance between the two types of goals will be a challenge for the coaching staff, but it's one we are excited to take on."
Forwards
CMU's forwards are an interesting mix of proven veterans and young, explosive talent. Leading the way is the top-returning scorer Kristy Reed (South Wales, N.Y./Sr.). Reed notched 12 goals and 30 points for the Chippewas last season and her 26 career goals sit tied for sixth-best in CMU history. The other returning starter is Alisa Folk (Richmond, B.C./Jr.), who was third on the team in goals last season with seven.
"I expect big things from these two players because of what they have shown me in the past," said Freese. "Kristy has improved her passing and worked hard to become a complete player. Alisa stepped up as a starter in 2003 and has a year of experience under her belt. Our offense is built around multiple players, but I expect Kristy and Alisa to play a major role in it."
This unit suffered one of the biggest losses due to graduation with 2003 leading scorer Tarah Trottier moving on. Sophomores Alicia Balanesi (Hanover, Pa.) and Cortney Blanchard (Capetown, South Africa) along with freshmen Katie Lincoln (Lake Villa, Ill.) and Allyson Doan (Ann Arbor) will all battle for time. Balanesi and Doan may also play at midfield.
"It is up in the air right now about who will be the third starter at forward," said Freese. "A lot will depend on what position Alicia ends up at and then things will fall into place after that. All four of these players have the ability to start and be successful, but each one needs to develop a certain facet of her game."
Midfield
The group at midfield is similar to the one at forward with a mix of veterans and newcomers.
The seasoned veterans are Erica Takach (Duncannon, Pa./Jr.) and Erin Dottery (Zionsville, Pa./So.). Both started a majority of the games the second half of 2003 and gained valuable experience.
"Erica and Erin are consistent players who have the ability to help us at both ends of the field," said Freese. "Erica had a tremendous spring season and I look for big things from her. Erin's play last season was a pleasant surprise and she is someone we can rely on to play well."
With Takach and Dottery securing the two outside spots at midfield, the center position is up for grabs entering the fall. Battling for the spot will be Kristi Seufert (Vista, Calif./Sr) and Nicole Rao (Pendleton, N.Y./Fr.) along with Balanesi and Allyson Doan.
"The center-mid spot is a big question mark heading into the season because there are a number of players who could fill it," said Freese. "We have some excellent candidates, it is just a matter of who wants it the most."
Defense
A major difference between this year's squad and the team last season is the defensive unit this season is more settled and experienced.
"Last year, we entered the season with some major question marks with the defense," said Freese. "That was a real weakness for us in the beginning of the year, but as it became more settled, the better we played."
Leading this unit are senior co-captains Amy Kauffman (Dauphin, Pa.) and Michelle Fogle (Columbus, Ohio).
"Amy and Michelle are so versatile that it gives us a lot of flexibility," said Freese. "Both can play the sweeper or center back position depending on the situation. Amy had a fantastic season at sweeper last year and anchored our defense. Michelle is a great asset to have because she is like having another coach on the field."
Three other veterans return to solidify the defense. Kim Ferris (St. Louis, Mo./Jr.), Laura Glaza (East Rochester, N.Y./Jr.) and Stasia Burroughs (Kent, Ohio/Sr.) all saw major minutes last season and will combine to fill the outside backer positions. Adding depth are Bryanna Nelson (Port Ewen, N.Y./So.), Kay Brown (Ann Arbor/Fr.) and Jessyca Doan (Ann Arbor/Fr.).
"The three veterans we have returning on the outside will give us the ability to move people around to give us the best possible matchups with our opponent," said Freese. "Nelson, Brown and Doan are the future at this position and it is important they get the needed experience so they are ready when it is their time."
Goalkeeper
CMU enters the season young in the net, but proven. Danielle Frank (Williamsville, N.Y./So.) came on strong late last season and enters the year as the starter, but she will be pushed by freshman Sarah Mancuso (Pittsford, N.Y.).
"I know that we are set at the goalkeeper position for years to come with these two players," said Freese. "Danielle is so mentally tough that she was able to build off all of her experiences last season to prepare her for the future. We are excited about getting Sarah because of the great attitude she has about the game. It is important that they are each others biggest fan and support fully the person who is starting for us."
Schedule
CMU will again play a competitive non-conference schedule before starting MAC play. The Chippewas will battle top 15-foes Michigan, Michigan State and Northeastern, along with California, Dartmouth and Ohio State.
"I got the feeling from our players a few years ago that they wanted a tougher non-conference schedule and we definitely have that this season," said Freese. "There is no definite win and every game has to be our best."
The MAC will be as competitive as ever with Louisville and Kent State shaping up as the top teams.
"All the teams in the MAC are dangerous and the days are gone of an easy MAC win," said Freese. "The conference is so even that it is difficult to decide who the favorites are, but we anticipate that our team will be contenders for the championship."
