BOULDER (9/15/11) – The University of Colorado field hockey team will take on the Denver Field Hockey Club and the University of Denver Sept. 24 and Sept. 25 at Kittredge field.
The season is young for the Buffaloes, and so far it looks promising. Tryouts were a huge success with 26 athletes trying out for the team.
“I’m really excited about this year’s team,” said head coach Frances Friedland. “In my three years of coaching, I would say this is the most talented group of field hockey players I've seen yet at CU.”
The Buffs are led by several key players including Linda Giudice, Kelly Boylan, Kelly Seago and Pam Grothe. Giudice is the anchor of the teams’ defense. Boylan, Seago and Grothe are the star midfielders and attackers on the team.
“They all have a ton of stamina, speed and skill,” said Friedland on the aforementioned players.
Natalie and Ellen Hackstaff (twins) have also played extremely well this year.
“I'm excited to have them on the team and know they'll continue to improve and lead the squad,” said Friedland on the twins.
CU has high hopes for the season. The team is extremely fast, particularly in the forward and midfield lines. The Buffs’ defense is more experienced and playing with more confidence. The experience and familiarity has led to great team chemistry.
“Most are returning players and are used to playing together so that's a real strength for the squad going into this season,” said Friedland.
Friedland is also excited about the prospect of having not one, but two goalies this year.
“We've always struggled to find goalies. We have two goalies this season and I couldn't be more thrilled,” said the head coach.
Callie Doherty is Colorado’s returning goalie. Last season was Doherty’s first season and Friedland was extremely impressed with the progress she made.
“She really rose to the challenge and has learned so much in such a short time - she works so hard at every practice and in each game - always gives 110%,” said Friedland.
The Buffs also have a new goalie—Ariana Ovadia—who comes from the northeast and has been playing exceptionally thus far.
The Buffaloes are going to have to play better if they want to beat DU and DFHC this weekend. CU lost its only game thus far to DFHC 5-0 earlier in the season and DU is always a tough opponent.
“We're going to have to focus on playing our game and just focusing on doing the basics well,” said Friedland on how the team can beat their upcoming opponents. “As long as we take care of the ball and play like the team we've worked so hard to become, I'm confident we can beat both of these teams. We have a great group of girls who love to play field hockey and are all committed to playing together and having fun.”
Colorado will play against DFHC Sept. 24 at 3:00 p.m. The Buffs will take on DU the next day, Sept. 25, at 11:00 a.m. For more information on CU field hockey visit their website at http://www.colorado.edu/studentgroups/fieldhockey/index.html.
