Field Hockey Tabbed to Finish Seventh in LEC Preseason Poll
Framingham, MA - The Framingham State College field hockey team has been ranked seventh this year in the Little East Conference (LEC) 2008 field hockey preseason coaches' poll after a vote by the twelve conference head coaches. Defending conference champion Keene State was ranked first in the poll for fourth time, while 2007 conference tournament finalist Southern Maine was ranked second.
The Rams, who finished tied for fifth in the LEC with Westfield State in 2007, were 6-5 in conference and 9-8 overall. They have several key players returning to this year's squad including the 2007 Little East Rookie of the Year, Kristen Sacco (Mendon, MA). Sacco led the Rams in scoring in 2007 with a team-high 29 points and 14 goals. She led all LEC rookies in points and goals and overall was ranked third and fourth in each of these categories. In addition Sacco, who was also a First Team MASCAC selection, was the only rookie selected First Team All-LEC in 2007. Junior forward Kali Barrett (N. Attleboro, MA) returns up front for the Rams with Sacco. Barrett, who was a Second Team All-MASCAC selection as sophomore, was the Rams second leading scorer in 2007 with career highs in goals (9), assists (5) and points (23).
The Rams also return a solid defense led by junior goalie Steph Bourgeois (Waltham, MA). Bourgeouis, who was 9-7 last season, started all but one game and finished the year among the conference leaders with a goals against average of 1.54 to go along with 103 saves. In front of her will be Second Team All-MASCAC selections sophomores Andrea DiTerlizzi (Shrewsbury, MA) and Jade Franzen (Mansfield, MA). Senior Allison Piatelli (Attleboro, MA) also returns for the Rams defense which held opponents to a 1.6 goals per game average in 2007.
The Rams begin their season on Thursday, September 4th as they play host to Anna Maria College. They begin LEC play on Saturday, September 13th as the host the University of Southern Maine, who was ranked second in the LEC preseason poll.
To view the complete poll, visit www.littleeast.com.