A great opportunity lies ahead for the 2012 Morrisville State College field hockey team, as they make the final preparations for the season opener scheduled for Saturday.
With just eight returning to the roster from last season, second year head coach Becky Osier, believes that the addition of 11 new faces to the squad will guide the program in the direction of success in 2012.
Morrisville State returns its leading scorers from a year ago, and will look to take advantage of scoring opportunities with the eagerness and drive the freshmen class has added to the team dynamic this preseason.
“The newcomers bring a considerable amount of talent to the field,” said Osier. “Our success this season will be defined by our camaraderie on and off the field, along with our ability to stay focused throughout the game.”
Helping to keep the Mustangs focused are team captains, senior midfielder Abby Muraco (Amherst, N.Y.), senior defender Jamie Anderson (Harpursville, N.Y.) and sophomore defender Megan Carlin (Pawling, N.Y.).
“The young ladies selected to lead this team have provided the leadership needed for our program, both on and off the field,” Osier said. “They have been instrumental in our team’s motivation and intensity, as well as focus on the field this preseason, and also have inspired the remainder of the team to have a similar desire for success as they have had as student-athletes here at Morrisville State.”
Morrisville State opens against non-conference opponent Ithaca College on Saturday at 3 p.m. before returning to Morrisville to host Wells College on Friday, Sept. 7 on Drake Field in the team’s home opener.