Field Hockey Has Eyes Set on Conference Crown in 2007

HOBOKEN, N.J. (August 20, 2007) – Coming into its fourth year of existence and second year in the Empire 8, the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team looks to improve on their program-best 11-8 record from last season. In 2007, Stevens returns 10 of its original 11 starters from last year as the Ducks look to capture their first conference title.

At the defensive position, Stevens brings back two key components from 2006. Junior Casey Scherck (Virginia Beach, Va.) and sophomore Erin Broderick (East Setauket, N.Y.) come back to help direct the defensive unit. Last season, Scherck was named the team captain, while Broderick started in 14 games for the Ducks.

The Ducks also return sophomores Elizabeth Zmijewski (Oaklyn, N.J.) and Jessica Ablonczy (Jackson, N.J.). In the previous season, Zmijewski was a key part of the Stevens’ defense, while appearing in 18 contests (five starts). Ablonczy should see an increased role after appearing in three games in 2006.

Adding to the defense are freshmen Catie Kendall (Bridgewater, N.J.), Katie Moschel (Jackson, N.J.), Melanie Richards (Jackson, N.J.) and Stephanie Varjan (Oradell, N.J.). Kendall and Varjan both garnered second-team all-conference honors during their high school tenure, while Moschel and Richards were each named team captain during their senior year.

Returning to the net for her third season is junior Stephanie Smith (Hockessin, Del.). Last season, Smith started in goal for all 19 games, while registering a career-best 74 saves and a 1.86 goal-against average. In addition, she was tabbed four times as the Empire 8 Goaltender of the Week and earned second-team all-conference honors.

Also appearing in the cage will be freshman Ellyn Griggs (Hillsborough, N.J.). In her senior year, Griggs notched first-team All-Somerset County and All-Skyland Conference accolades. She also played in the North Jersey Senior All-Star Game.

In the midfield, the Ducks return a quartet of players in Stephanie Linder (Eatontown, N.J.), Hillary Paul (Concord, N.H.), Kerri Polidore (Garwood, N.J.) and Allison Shields (Mahopac, N.Y.). Last year, Linder tallied her first collegiate goal in a 4-0 win against the Phoenix of Wilson College. Paul completed her sophomore campaign with a NFHCA National Academic Award, a first-team All-Empire 8 honor and President’s List recognition. She also finished the season as Stevens’ third-leading scorer with six goals and five assists, which amounts to 17 points. As for Polidore, she notched three assists in 2006, while Shields was named the Empire 8 Player of the Week in October and ranked fourth on the team in total points with 12.

Backing them up are newcomers Sloane Collins (Boonton Township, N.J.) and Karen Federico (West Islip, N.Y.). Federico comes off a successful high school career, where she was named to the All-New York first-team. She has also garnered all-county, all-conference, Best Defender, Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player honors. Collins garnered All-Morris County recognition and competed for the Quix Sticks Club team at the National Festival. 

At forward, Stevens returns three leading scorers from last year in senior Beth Rychcik (Pleasant Valley, N.Y.) and sophomores Kara Borzillo (Mount Laurel, N.J.) and Courtney Geddis (Jackson, N.J.). In 2006, Rychcik received the NFHCA National Academic Award and was the team’s fifth-leading scorer with 11 points (four goals, three assists). Borzillo was second on the team in scoring with eight goals and three assists (19 points). She also received second-team all-conference accolades in her first year at Stevens. Subsequently, Geddis is coming off of an amazing freshman season where she was the recipient of the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year award and the NFHCA National Academic Honor. She was also the Ducks leading-scorer with 22 points on nine goals and four assists.

Additionally, Allison Basile (River Edge, N.J.) and Lauren Griggs (Hillsborough, N.J.) will look to contribute on the front line in their first year with the Ducks. In high school, Griggs notched first-team All-Skyland Conference honors as well as an All-Somerset County honorable mention award, while Basile earned first-team all-league and second-team all-county honors.  

"We have a lot of talent coming into the 2007 season. We return almost our entire starting line-up while adding a very talented class of freshmen,” Head Coach Jessica Reed (Hoboken, N.J.) stated. “This team will set new standards of excellence both on and off the field. We expect to be a real threat in the conference."