Field Hockey
2006 Season Recap
The Clark University field hockey team experienced its share of success this season, earning the conference’s first-ever Sportsmanship Award. The award was voted on by the players of each conference member institution. "Upholding the ideals of the NEWMAC and its Code of Conduct is something our team members do not take lightly,” said head coach Linda Wage. “We were honored to be the first recipients of this award.”
In addition to the sportsmanship recognition, senior goalkeeper Kaitlin Kelley and first-year defender Carley Corkum were named to the All-NEWMAC first and second teams, respectively. Kelley was also named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) New England East All-Region First-Team and was selected to play in the NFHCA senior all-star game. Junior Kelly Sinko and senior Kim Whittington received NEWMAC Academic All-Conference accolades.
Faced with one of the toughest schedules in New England, the Clark field hockey squad put together a 4-12 (1-7 NEWMAC) mark. In spite of their record, the Cougars, who lost five games by just one goal and sent four contests into overtime, were a difficult team to play. After defeating Nichols College (3-1) to start the season, the Cougars battled a trio of teams (Williams, Springfield, Wellesley) ranked in the final National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Poll. In losing efforts, Clark stifled a Williams’ attack, allowing the lowest number of goals (2) to the Ephs through that point of the season, held then 13th ranked Springfield to a 2-0 game, and dropped a hard-fought 3-2 decision to Wellesley.
The Cougars found a way to win the next three of five games, posting victories over Anna Maria College (5-1), Worcester State College (2-1) and Mount Holyoke (3-2 2 OT). In its final regular season game, Clark was faced with a must-win situation, but lost in double overtime (3-2) to Smith College. It was the first time the Cougars failed to qualify for the conference tournament since the NEWMAC inception in 1998.
2006 Season Outlook
A perennial contender in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and the New England region, the Clark University field hockey team experienced an uncharacteristic 2005-06 season. Finishing 3-14 overall and 2-6 in the conference, the Cougars look to step back into character and rebound from their inconsistent year. With seven starters and 12 letter-winners back, including a substantial recruiting class, Head Coach Linda Wage is expecting to shake up the line-up and re-establish Clark’s winning form.
“I brought in 11 new players this fall,” said Wage, who begins her 22nd season as coach. “We are really trying to focus on improving our offensive production, and will look towards our youth for a major boost.”
“I’m expecting the freshmen to challenge for starting positions and add needed depth to our squad,” she added.
One position that remains secure is in goal, where NFHCA Regional All-America second-team selection Kaitlin Kelley returns. Kelley (2.43 GAA, .856 SV%), a first-team All-NEWMAC all-star, is back for her fourth season as the Cougars starting goalie. Sophomore Nora Freeley and promising newcomer Kathryn Dawsey will battle for the number two spot.
Junior Brooke Osgood will anchor a defense that includes, Alex Griffin, Katherine Willis and first-year players Carley Corkum and Gloria Torres. Corkum was Triton Regional High’s Most Valuable Player last season, while Torres earned first-team all-state honors. “Defense was the strongest part of our game last year,” Wage said. “We gained tremendous experience and because of that hope to remain a strong defensive team.”
While Meredith Courtemanche will be missed, Wage is confident seniors Ginny Mike, a converted defender, and Sara Rau, along with Madeleine Henefield can lead the group of Cougar midfielders this fall. Hartley Bonisteel and freshmen Alison Foley and Anne Marie DiMatteo, Kim Whittington’s cousin, are also expected to make a contribution.
With the loss of Brittney Wickles to graduation, Wage will look to senior Kim Whittington and newcomers Lauren Blake, a three-time league all-star from Oakland, Me., and Chelsea Proulx, a first-team all-state player out of Bishop Brady High School (N.H.), to create a solid scoring presence up-front. Precious Ra’Akbar, Pam Ordung, and Kelly Sinko will be in contention for playing time.
“This year’s team is the largest team we have ever had,” Wage said. “The experience and added depth will give us the opportunity to be more competitive and balanced.
For more information about Clark University Field Hockey, please contact head coach Linda
Wage at (508) 793-7637 or by email at lwage@clarku.edu
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Varsity Sports Quick Links:
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Additional Resources
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| Recent Results |
| Oct 27 |
at #3 Wheaton
NEWMAC Quarterfinal
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L 0-3
Recap
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| Oct 23 |
vs Smith*
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W 2-1
Recap
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| Oct 20 |
vs MIT*
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W 3-2 (OT)
Recap
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| Upcoming Schedule | Full Schedule |
| Sep 4 |
at Worcester State
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7:00 PM
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| Sep 6 |
vs New England
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1:00 PM
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| Sep 9 |
vs UMass Dartmouth
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7:00 PM
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