MSC field hockey starts season with victory
Ben Phillips, '11 | Staff Reporter
Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: Sports
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"We hope that with these returning girls we can grow on our fourth place finish and advance to the NCAA tournament," head coach Adair Milmoe said. "We have a very talented returning team this year and very talented freshmen."
The Mustangs have 11 players returning on both sides of the ball. On offense, they will look to Captain Lauren Bordonaro to lead the team. Bordonaro will anchor the forward line as she led the team in scoring last season, scoring eight goals along with five assists. On the defensive side, the Mustangs have senior Captain Charlotte Brown and sophomore Katie Schlegel in front of senior goalie Stephanie Smith.
Smith will hold the goalie position for her fourth straight year. Last year, Smith had 45 saves and held opponents to less than three goals a game, according to the Mustangs' website.
"I feel great about this team," Smith said. "These incoming girls are very talented, have great speed and great stick skills. I really feel this team has what it takes to get to the next level."
The Mustangs have 10 freshmen for the 2009-2010 season. "The class that is coming in is very large for the program," said Milmoe. "We will need some of these girls to step up and provide solid playing time."
"One of our main goals this season is to beat Cortland," Bordonaro said. "If we could beat them, it would be a great accomplishment for our team and the program." Cortland ended the season last year being ranked ninth in the nation.
Morrisville begins its active participation in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III play during the 2009-2010 season, and is eligible for the NCAA Championship Tournament play.
The Mustangs' record is 1-2 after their loss to Houghton College on Sept. 9. Their next game is home Sept. 12 against Rosemont College.