Hard work and competitive spirit have been the hallmarks of the 2010 William Paterson field hockey program's preseason workouts, two traits that seventh-year head coach Lindsay Bard hopes will carry forward into the regular season.

“This is one of the hardest-working groups I have had, as a whole, during my time at William Paterson,” stated Bard. “The players are very focused on improving during each and every practice session.”

With half of the program's roster spots occupied by freshmen this fall, the Pioneers will rely heavily on their returning five starters and 11 letterwinners to provide leadership on and off the field.

FORWARDS
Just two of the Pioneers' top-five goal scorers are back from a year ago, but Bard is confident that the attack will be both diversified and dangerous this season.

Amanda Sheehan (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) posted career-best numbers of eight goals and 18 points as a junior in 2009, and will be complemented up top by sophomore Kelsey Rella (Mt. Laurel, N.J./Lenape), who may be William Paterson's most improved player a year after collecting four goals and two assists as a freshman.

Sophomore Danielle Meade (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) has been impressive during preseason workouts after seeing limited action as a rookie last season, and will be a goal-scoring threat on the posts along with Rella. Classmate Rebecca Tamarana (Toms River, N.J./Toms River East) also has made great strides since her freshman campaign, displaying some excellent stick work, while freshman Jaclyn Bertos (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Knolls) is ready to make an impact after missing the 2009 season due to an injury.

Freshmen Jessica Nendze (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) and Jacqui Giammetta (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) are described by Bard as a “fast and furious combo.” Fellow newcomer Brionna Benjamin (Marlton, N.J./Pennsauken) has also displayed a strong work ethic during preseason camp and will compete for time on the field.

MIDFIELDERS
Following the loss of a pair of outstanding senior midfielders, including two-time all-region selection Jodi Feriod, the Pioneers will have a decidedly different lineup in the middle of the field this fall.

After two years starting on the back line, junior Mary O'Connor (Ramsey, N.J./Ramsey) will transition to a defensive midfield role. “Mary will be fantastic in the midfield,” said Bard. “She is a fierce competitor, never stops working, brings a high level of intensity and is an outstanding defender.”

Sophomore Ally Hartman (Pemberton, N.J./Pemberton Twp.) is expected to take on an expanded role after contributing three points (1 g, 1 a) in 10 games off the bench as a freshman. More of an offensive player who reads the field very well, Bard is excited by Hartman's stick work and ability to create opportunities with her passing game.

Annalis Mitcho (Glassboro, N.J./Gloucester County Institute of Technology) has been one of the most impressive newcomers during preseason workouts, and could land a spot in the starting midfield. “She is a really good distributor of the ball,” related Bard. “She is a true athlete in that she can absorb information and apply it very quickly in a game situation.”

Adding to the depth in the midfield will be freshmen Carly Michel (Egg Harbor City, N.J./Atlantic County Institute of Technology) and Brianne Cox (Browns Mills, N.J./Pemberton Twp.).

BACKS
Three proven veterans will provide the Pioneers consistent stability on the back line during the 2010 season.

After battling through injuries throughout her career, Melissa Szeliga (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) is back as a fifth-year Pioneer and graduate student. An honorable-mention all-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) selection after scoring three goals via penalty strokes a year ago, Szeliga is a true leader both on and off the field, and her steady play will be counted on in the middle of the defense.

A starter since she arrived at William Paterson, junior Meghan Bardeer (Westampton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional) shows great patience and sees the field extremely well. “Meghan is very good at not allowing a quick counter, and she has the ability to move the ball all the way from our end line to the other circle and create scoring opportunities.”

Erin Garces (Cream Ridge, N.J./New Egypt) has evolved into a strong and confident back for the Pioneers. Her six starts and 14 appearances as a junior in 2009, coupled with a solid preseason, have her entering her senior year ready to play at an even higher level this fall.

Sophomore Shannon Thomas (Gloucester City, N.J./Gloucester City) has shown tremendous improvement from a year ago, while freshman Katie Carpenter (Egg Harbor City, N.J./Absegami) will also press for time. “Katie goes non-stop,” Bard explained. “She's small, but quick, and she's very coachable. She's just a sponge, and catches on very quickly to new skills and concepts.”

Also competing for playing time in the defensive third will be freshman Nicole Kiedaisch (Lumberton, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional).

GOALIES
Following the graduation of first-team all-American and two-time NJAC Goalie of the Year Christina Auger, the battle for the starting spot in the cage is wide open this season.

“Our two goalies have really been competing hard for the starting spot this preseason,” said Bard. “Each one brings something different to the table.”

Junior Meghan Trivett (Highlands, N.J./Middletown North) saw limited action during her first two seasons at WP, but is very sound with her fundamentals and a steady presence between the posts. She will try to hold off freshman Kellye Statz (Robbinsville, N.J./Robbinsville), a first-team all-Central Jersey honoree who Bard describes as being “very dynamic in her movement.”