Falcons Hoping To Build On Experience
FITCHBURG -- The Fitchburg State University field hockey team struggled at points last season, but finished the year strong with a three-game winning streak. The Falcons -- who return a number of non-senior starters -- are looking to build off the experience of last year's late performance and challenge for a postseason berth, as they have done so many times in the past.
COURTESY OF MATT STEWART - SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE
FITCHBURG -- The Fitchburg State University field hockey team struggled at points last season, but finished the year strong with a three-game winning streak.
The Falcons -- who return a number of non-senior starters -- are looking to build off the experience of last year's late performance and challenge for a postseason berth, as they have done so many times in the past.
Fitchburg State opens the season Wednesday at home against Johnson & Wales in a non-conference matchup. If the Falcons can get through a brutal first month, they should have a shot of playing into November.
"We struggled, especially in league play, but we ended the season strong," Fitchburg State head coach Beth Bacher said. "We beat two tough opponents and ended on a strong note, so we're hoping to pick up where we left off last year. At every position we have strong returners, and we're coming back with experience in all the lines.
Fitchburg State finished with a decent 8-10 overall record last year, but struggled in the improving Little East Conference, settling for a 3-8 mark. The goals are to bump up that conference record and to lift the overall mark above .500 this season.
"We had some heartbreaking losses last year," Bacher said. "We were right in the game, and for whatever reason we didn't come out on the winning end of it. We're looking to come out and be a lot stronger in the league and make the tournament."
The opening slate will be challenging, with non-league foe Worcester Polytechnic Institute and tough conference opponents in Keene State College, Plymouth State and UMass Dartmouth early on the schedule.
"We're going to have our challenges right at the beginning," Bacher said. "I think we're capable of overcoming the difficult schedule and I think we're going to be more of a force this year."
The play between the pipes might be the biggest strength for the Falcons this season.
Brockton native and senior Judith Valentin will be primarily responsible for goalkeeping duties after a strong season last year in which she posted a 1.47 goals-against average in 10 games.
Valentin split time with Lucy Howela last year. With Howela lost to graduation, Valentin will now lead the goalies, with Jordyn Conway and freshman Brittany Linane in supporting role.
"Valentin saw a lot of time last year and has a lot of energy," Bacher said. "She's looking to have a positive end to her career here at Fitchburg State."
The defense has some quality experience -- and even some local ties. Junior Nicole Fors, a Lunenburg High graduate, returns to solidify the back line and, along with seasoned veteran Kelly Luttazi, a senior, will provide a strong one-two combo.
Rachael Denning looks to see an increased role on defense in her sophomore year after spending a lot of time as a back last season. A couple of other impact sophomores include Emma Polimeni and St. Bernard's graduate Jillian Schultze.
"We're looking for Luttazi to be a really strong leader defensively," Bacher said.
Midfield is always critical in field hockey in the battle for possession, and Leominster High graduate Bailey Miller returns as one of the most proven members of the group. Miller usually plays right-mid but may see some action at center-mid, and is the second-leading returning scorer with nine points last season.
"I think Miller is going to be a strong contributor this year, as she was last year," Bacher said. "This year being her second year I think she's going to take hold of the game and be a lot more comfortable with the team and field. She does a nice job controlling the offense, seeing the field well and understanding the game."