2015 Field Hockey Outlook

August 26, 2015 | Field Hockey

2015 roster features a balance of veterans and newcomers

By: Lori Korte

The University of Louisville field hockey team enters the 2015 season with a balance of experience and youth. The Cardinals return 14 letterwinners and five starters from a team ranked in the NFHCA top 10 throughout most of 2014. With the addition of seven talented freshmen, the 12^th-ranked Cards are ready for the challenge of a tough schedule which includes eight teams ranked in the preseason top 20.

"We are really excited about the opportunity before us," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "We are a very new team, we are smaller in numbers. We have a squad of 21 players after losing 10 from last year's team. With that said, we have seven very talented freshmen. Pretty much half of our starting lineup from last year is now gone, so there are a lot of opportunities for our current team. Our core players are probably in the best shape of their lives, so that's really pleasing. "

Looking back: The Cardinals are coming off of a banner season in 2014 in which they posted a 15-6 overall record and went 3-3 in their inaugural ACC campaign with wins over top-ranked North Carolina, No. 4 Duke and No. 16 Wake Forest along the way. Louisville went on to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament where it lost a 2-1 overtime heartbreaker to Stanford.

The graduation of six starters including All-American Alyssa Voelmle, All-ACC and NFHCA All-West Region selection Paige Monsen and fellow All-Region teammate Mallory Mason, have left the Cardinals with some big shoes to fill in the upcoming season.

Forwards
Coach Sowry has been impressed with level of attack the Cardinals have shown during the preseason. "We're a better attacking team this year which is very exciting. Normally our strong suit is our defense, but I think we attack well. We are faster than any team I can remember coaching here. I'm very pleased with how we look so far."

The Cardinals' offense will rely on several key players including junior Shannon Sloss, a two-year starter who closed her freshman campaign as the 2013 BIG EAST Rookie of the year and has a penchant for scoring with 16 career goals under her belt. Sophomore Nicole Woods, who was recently selected to USA Field Hockey's Under 21 team is expected to be a prime contributor. The Cardinals will also look to junior Hailey Netherton who has seen time in every game the past two seasons. Redshirt sophomore Stephanie Byrne had a solid freshman campaign and will compete for a significant role as well as sophomore Marigrace Ragsdale who gained valuable experience last season. Freshman Tess Hannah, a member of the Scotland's Under 18 team has brought a knack for scoring during the preseason. Fellow rookie Madison Land will also provide added depth to the forward line.

Midfielders
The Cards return a veteran group of midfielders led by seniors Elisa Garcia, Katharine Gwynne-Wood and Megan Anstotz along with juniors Erin McCrudden and Lotta Kahlert.

Garcia, a three-year starter and two-time NFHCA All-West Region selection, led the Cardinals with 27 points – seven goals and 13 assists in 2014. The senior co-captain has picked up where she left off last season and will be a crucial part of Louisville's midfield and defense.

After fighting through injury her freshman and sophomore seasons, Gwynne-Wood has emerged as one of the quickest players in the lineup and led the Cardinals offensively throughout the preseason. Anstotz is another veteran midfielder who has played in every game since joining the Cardinals.

Kahlert, earned a starting role last season and proved to be one of Louisville's most dangerous players with seven goals and strong presence in the midfield. McCrudden had a solid sophomore campaign and has emerged a leader with her athleticism and vision on the field.

Freshmen Annie Himsworth and Katie Walsh will also contribute in the midfield.

"Our midfield line is really strong with a lot of depth and provides us with a lot of versatility and a lot of options, because people like Shannon Sloss and Nicole Woods can come back on the midfield line as well," said Sowry.

Defenders
The Cardinals defense will be anchored by senior co-captain Victoria Stratton. The three-year starter has been organizing the backfield since her freshman season and brings a veteran presence to the team. Junior Gianna Perrone has two years of experience and will look to fill one of roles vacated by last year's seniors. Sophomore Abby Grimes has also proven her defensive skills after an impressive freshman season and 2015 preseason.

Freshman Taylor Stone brings an impressive resume which includes her recent selection to USA Field Hockey's Under 19 squad as well as being named to the U17 squad in 2014. Fellow freshman Maria Gomez will also add depth to the Cardinals' backfield.

Goalkeepers
With two talented goalkeepers on the roster, Sowry expects that position to be highly competitive. Elina Pereira, a redshirt sophomore, had a productive spring season and preseason while freshman Ayeisha McFerran , the youngest member of the Irish National Hockey Team boasts international experience, most recently in 2015 World League Games.

Preseason preparation
Louisville played two preseason scrimmages last weekend, posting 4-0 win over Iowa in regulation and a 7-1 victory in the Cardinals' Alumnae Game. Over the weekend, the Cards produced 11 goals and allowed only one 140:00 minutes of regulation play. Junior Shannon Sloss emerged as the weekend's leading scorer with three goals while senior Katharine Gwynne-Wood and freshman Tess Hannah had two goals apiece.

The Road Ahead:
The young Louisville squad be challenged early and often with eight opponents – including every ACC team - ranked in the 2015 Penn Monto/NFHCA Division I preseason poll.

"Heading into the ACC, we all know how competitive the Olympic sports are – there are seven field hockey programs, and all seven are ranked in the top 13 in the country," said Sowry. "Every game that we play in the ACC is like a national championship game. We had a successful campaign last year so the target is going to be on our backs with a much younger team. So to keep our focus, and to remain humble and hungry there will be a lot of learning. Being a fall sport, we have 10 days to get ready. So it's hard and fast, but I'm super excited with the current group we have."