10/31/2016
Lowell Sun
By Carmine Frongillo
LOWELL -- The UMass Lowell field hockey is heading to California in pursuit of a conference crown.
UMass Lowell will play nationally-ranked Stanford in a quarterfinal game at the America East Conference Championship Tournament Thursday at 3 p.m. on the campus of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
"It's unbelievable," said long-time UMass Lowell head coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "Obviously, it's been a little while since UMass Lowell field hockey has been in the tournament, and it's exciting to be back in the hunt for a conference championship."
The River Hawks, who are the No. 4 seed in the AE East Division, finished the regular season with an 8-10 overall record and went 3-5 in conference games.
This is the most wins in a season for UMass Lowell's field hockey program at the Division 1 level. Field hockey is the first UMass Lowell team to appear in an America East Championship after receiving full Division 1 eligibility last season.
Stanford, the No. 1 seed in the AE West Division, is ranked 16th nationally and heads into the conference tourney with an 11-5 overall record and 5-1 mark in America East. The Cardinal enter the postseason with a 10-1 record in the last 11 games.
Quarterfinal round games will be held Thursday and Friday. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, with the championship game set for Sunday.
"It's one of those things that if you are going to be in the tournament, why not face one of the top teams in the country right off the bat and see where you are at," said Hlebichuk.
"I think it will be a great experience for the team to play west coast field hockey. We had a little bit of experience with that last year playing Cal Berkeley and UC Davis. So we're a little familiar with their style of play, which is good for us.
"It's always nice to be in the same conversation as Stanford. Their reputation is fantastic academically and athletically. I think it's exciting for UMass Lowell field hockey to be in this position."
Prior to joining America East in 2013, UMass Lowell was a perennial power in field hockey at the Division 2 level, winning national championships in 2005 and 2010. The River Hawks experienced their share of growing pains before taking flight this fall. UMass Lowell made a big jump in play this season after going 5-14 (0-8 in AE) in 2015.
"We've been working really hard for the past four years to make it to this tournament," said senior Annie Villare of Chelmsford, whose older sister, Kim, played on UMass Lowell's 2005 national championship team. "Honestly, this has been our main goal the past four years. And I'm very proud of everyone and we're looking forward to the challenge. We can make a name for this program in a hurray with a strong showing, and that's what we want to do."
Villare, a midfielder/back who has registered six assists while playing in all 18 games this season, and the other River Hawk seniors are proud to have helped the program build a solid foundation at the Division 1 level.
"I think we're ready to take that next step and be in the playoffs," said Villare. "It's an exciting time. I know a lot of the alumni. They've been coming to the games. So I think it means a lot to them. It's great to be connected in that way."
Anouk Lalande is UMass Lowell's leading scorer with 10 goals and 9 assists. Christa Doiron (11 goals, 5 assists), Torrie Huk (10 goals, 5 assists) and Katie Luchino (4 goals, 7 assists) have also made their presence felt on offense.
Kristin Aveni (6 goals), Georgia Cowderoy (4 goals, 3 assists) and Eleonor Agneessens (2 goals, 2 assists) have been all-around contributors.
Eva Berkhout (5-2, 2.29 GAA) and Kelsey Federico (3-8, 3.56) have split time in goal.
"We talk about the tournament as a new season," said Hlebichuk. "We're focusing on Stanford and treating this like a business trip. This game is important to our program. None of these players have experienced a tournament here at UMass Lowell. We want them to be proud of what they've accomplished. But we're going there looking to upset Stanford."