The Connecticut College women’s field hockey team kicked off the season with an important NESCAC victory over Bates College last Saturday, September 12.
After the Bobcats surprised the Camels with a quick goal, junior Abby Hine upped the momentum and sent the Camels on a 5-0 scoring run.
Freshman Kelsey Nickerson further ignited the Camels by scoring the next two goals while senior Jen Wallace fired an insurance goal past the Bobcats. Only a minute passed before Wallace assisted Hine for her second goal of the match-up, giving the Camels a comfortable lead of 5-1.
While the Camels seemed to be dominating the game, the Bobcats were able to score two goals as the final minutes approached. Determined to come out with a win, the Camels’ strong defense stepped up to hold onto a 5-3 lead.
Returning to the program for her final year, senior goalkeeper Steph Quinn collected four saves in the second half of what proved to be another intense NESCAC competition.
Senior tri-captain Kristen Dirmaier has extreme confidence in her team, stating that they are better prepared for NESCAC competition this season after their preseason trip to Vancouver.
“Since the trip was scheduled at the end of August, we essentially gained an extra week of preseason to play together and fine tune things before heading up to Bates last Saturday,” said Dirmaier.
The trip to Vancouver proved to be effective for the Camels as they had the opportunity to attend training sessions with the Canadian Men’s National team and play three games against highly skilled competition.
In addition to their added preparation time, the Camels bring a plethora of talent to the field for the season.
Dirmaier reported that the seven new players joining the ranks of thirteen returning Camels “have already shown their ability to make an impact in the NESCAC league.”
Despite a tough overtime loss at home against Springfield College on Thursday, September 17, the Camels continue to have confidence in their ability to make a name for themselves in the NESCAC.
Their main goal for this season is to gain a spot in the playoffs, a position they have not attained since the 2005 season.
“I definitely believe we have the talent and determination to beat any team in the NESCAC this year, and we expect to be playing at home in the first round of playoffs,” said Dirmaier.
With the strong leadership of three great senior captains, Ellen Cavanaugh, Kristen Dirmaier, and Kelsey Fredericks, and their determination to win, the Camels will inevitably be a mighty presence in the NESCAC this season.
