November 7, 2014
Despite losing its first playoff game to Bowdoin 6-0 last Saturday, the Continentals field hockey squad experienced one of its best seasons in Hamilton history this fall.
This was the Continentals’s second appearance in NESCAC playoffs since 2011. After dismal 2012 and 2013 seasons, the Hamilton women have made a turnaround. Following a 1-9 in-conference record last year, the team finished with a 2-8 record and a playoff appearance.
Hamilton ended the regular season with 95 points and 37 goals, the best totals since 2010. Their overall win tally, in all competitions, stands at six games, another program high since 2010.
“I thought our season was definitely a journey but built on an already strong base,” stated Merisa Dion ’17. “We’ve started out strong for many of our games and our spirits have been bright due to the strong work ethic and team support we’ve had. I think our season as a whole has been really energetic, powered by all of the energy on the team and full of family love. We really came together as a team on and off the field.”
Eva Rosencrans ’17 once again led the Continentals offensively. Rosencrans recorded 36 points and 17 goals in the season, up from last season. Her totals stand second in program records.
“We really had the most incredible season. Although we didn’t win all that much, we had so much fun,” commented Rosencrans. “I love everyone so much and I could not have asked for better teammates.”
The Continentals will be losing four seniors this spring: goalkeeper Victoria Trentini, forward Katey Hopper, defender Sam Sherman and midfielder Gabriele Lenihan.
Rosencrans stated “the seniors were the heart of this team. Their leadership was incredible and we would not have been half the team without them.” Trentini has been solid in the goal all season, recording two shutouts and an impressive save percentage of .719. Her 129 total saves led the NESCAC this season. Trentini has also recorded 524 saves in her career at Hamilton, a program record.
Hopper played in all 16 games this season scoring four goals and earning nine points. This leaves her career totals at 48 games played, 15 points earned and seven goals scored. Hopper earned a place on the NESCAC All-Academic teams in 2013 and 2012.
Lenihan also played in all 16 games this season, putting her career total games played at 58.
Lenihan has recorded two assists in her Hamilton career, and five points. She also earned a place on the 2013 NESCAC All-Sportsmanship team.
Sherman also played in all 16 games. Her career total is 48 games, with three goals, 5 assists and 11 points earned.
Sherman also led the Continentals with six defensive saves this season, leaving her career total at 21.
Dion commented on the season, “Our seniors did a great job of bringing the freshmen into the family and since then we’ve been a collective force. They have always been there for the rest of the team; as teammates, as friends, as mentors, as a shoulder to cry on. The seniors have been the prime example of Hamilton field hockey, wore their number with pride and, for me, made me feel like part of the family. I can’t thank the seniors enough for all of their support.”
Despite the best season in recent years, the Continentals aim to keep pushing their limits and achieve all they can. Although the loss of the senior class will impact the team, new talent will emerge and a strong work ethic will remain consistent into next season.
“I think if we keep improving like we have been recently we are going to be great in the next few years. Everyone wants to win and works really hard, and as long as we keep up our work ethic I think we have a lot of potential,” Rosencrans said.
Dion said, “The program can improve even further by continuing to strive for excellence and maintaining the good vibes we’ve kept over the season. Continuing to welcome in the freshmen and never settling for less than our potential will bring our program to even greater things.”
No comments yet.
Comment Guidelines
Please log in to post a comment