FROSTBURG, Md. - The Frostburg State field hockey program begins a new era as it welcomes a new coaching staff and enters its first year of play in the Capital Athletic Conference. New head coach
Jennifer Johnstone comes to the Bobcats after serving as the head coach for the field hockey team at Kenyon College during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. While there, she led the Ladies to 18 wins with an appearance in the North Coast Athletic Conference championship game in 2008.
The Bobcats begin conference play in the CAC for the first time this season after playing as an independent. Last season, FSU won the independent tournament after beating Wells, 5-1 and Wilson in the championship game, 1-0.
FSU will look for strong leadership from the three returning forwards. The attack-trio will generate a strong and consistent offense for the Bobcats as they strive for a high level of competition in the CAC. Senior
Breanne Russell (Clements, Md./Chopticon) will be a strong presence in the front as she has an excellent ability to see the field and has a very strong finish at the cage. Russell led the Bobcats in goals last season with 10 and tied for points at 22. Fellow seniors
Brooke Tapman (Pocomoke, Md./Pocomoke) and
Lindsey Frost (Columbia, Md./Hammond) anchor the offense as they both can distribute the ball well with a strong drive. Tapman and Frost combined for 33 points last season with seven goals apiece.
Junior
Chelsea Smith (Mt. Airy, Md./South Carroll) will be a strong utility player for FSU this season with the ability to play both midfield and defense. Smith is very skilled in her stick work and led the Bobcats last year with four game winning goals. She finished the 2009 campaign with eight goals and six assists and will be looked to continue her high level of play in the new conference.
Junior
Amanda Kerstetter (Galena, Md./Bohemia Manor) returns to the team after not playing in 2009. Kerstetter will be a valuable asset at either the attack or in the midfield for the Bobcats.
The sophomore class returns to the turf having gained significant playing experience in the 2009 season.
Rachel Merritt (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) will contribute in the midfield after starting all 20 games last season for FSU and handing out two assists.
Alli Elliott (Mechanicsville, Md./Chopticon) has displayed an invaluable work ethic and is a key player for the Bobcats and will be strong on the field no matter where she plays.
Sophomore
Sara Ziff (Severna Park, Md./Severna Park) will help manage the defense. Classmates
Heather Gray (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin) and
Megan Robertson (Lusby, Md./Patuxent) return on defense to aid in the backfield.
Sophomore
Erin Johns (Halethorpe, Md./Lansdowne) will transition to attack this season and help the Bobcat offense.
Sophomore
Maggie Edwards (Lebanon, N.J./Hunterdon Central Regional) returns to the cage for FSU this season. In 2009, Edwards posted a 2.95 goals against average and a .726 save percentage, picking up three shutouts on the season.
The freshmen add much needed depth to Frostburg State.
Amanda Lennon (Brandywine, Md./Thomas Stone) will see a lot of time at midfield or defense as a standout freshman this preseason. Classmate
Becky Randel (Columbia, Md. / Long Reach) will see time on attack as a freshman.
This year, coach Johnstone also welcomes a new addition to the field hockey coaching staff.
Sarah Brant is in her first year with the program and she brings a wealth of experience to the team. Brant comes to the Bobcats after playing field hockey and lacrosse for the Ursinus Bears from 2006-2010. As a midfielder, she helped the field hockey team capture a NCAA Division III National Championship in 2006 and play in the semifinals in 2006-07 and 2009. The Bears won the Centennial Conference championship all four years of her field hockey collegiate career. Brant attended the 11th Annual Snell-Shillingford Coaching Symposium in the winter of 2009 and from 2008-10 and she served as a counselor at the Eastern Field Hockey camp.
FSU faces tough competition this season as the Bobcats challenge four top-20 teams as selected in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll. The Bobcats will take on No. 12 Christopher Newport (9/19), No. 13 Lynchburg (9/26), No. 16 Juniata (9/28) and defending National Champion and CAC opponent No. 1 Salisbury (10/23). The Bobcats travel to their first CAC game at Wesley on Sept. 5. FSU will host a “Pink Game” for breast cancer awareness on Saturday, Oct. 2 against Bridgewater at Bobcat Stadium.