Field Hockey playoff run ended at TCNJ

After a whirlwind week in which it won a Centennial Conference title and an NCAA playoff game, the Johns Hopkins Field Hockey team ended its season abruptly. Losing to the College of New Jersey by a score of 4-0 in the Regional Semifinals last Saturday in Ewing, N.J., the Lady Jays were eliminated from the tournament by TCNJ for the third time in as many postseason appearances.

After starting off the season 2-5, no one expected the Jays to achieve as much as they did this fall. The team exhibited its resiliency by coming back to win the Centennial Conference Championship and only the second NCAA playoff game in Hopkins history last Wednesday. The Jays were just one game away from the regional championship before falling to perennial powerhouse TCNJ.

"It was kind of disappointing that we didn't play our best," said senior forward and co-captain Kelly Hewitt. "Some individuals played well, but we didn't click as a team. Only one team is going to walk away from the tournament happy, though, and it was awesome just to make the NCAAs."

"It was disappointing because I know that we are capable of a lot more than we showed Saturday," added senior midfielder Ashlee Duncan, the team's other captain. "At the same time, though, we are proud to have turned our season around."

The College of New Jersey was ranked third in the nation according to the most recent NCAA Division III Coach's Poll and dominated from start to finish last Saturday. The Lions scored their first goal with 19:43 left in the first half on a goal by Christie Shore. Three minutes later, the Lions struck again, as Kim Feeley guided a Lauren Wooster pass into the cage, providing some breathing room heading into the half.

The Lions then extended their advantage to three goals with a score by Colleen Stamler just 1:33 into the second half. Blair Abler tacked on the final tally for TCNJ, scoring the game's fourth and final goal with 27:52 left in the game.

Sophomore goalkeeper Meredith Shifman left the game a minute later, finishing with 11 saves and four goals allowed in 43 minutes. Her replacement, freshman goalkeeper Dayna Eng, made four saves in the final 26:52 of the game.

The Hopkins offense could not seem to find its rhythm, as the team took only four shots, all by Duncan. Hopkins matched TCNJ in penalty corners with six, but the back of the cage was elusive for the Jays. Lions goalkeeper Kristina Beyel needed to make only two saves over the course of the game to record her eighth shutout this season.

Hopkins finished its season 12-9 overall, while TCNJ improved its record to 16-2 and advanced to the regional finals. The Lions went on to defeat Skidmore College by a score of 2-1 on Sunday in double overtime to clinch the Regional Championship. TCNJ will now compete in the NCAA Division III national semifinals beginning Friday.

This was the third consecutive time TCNJ knocked Hopkins out of the NCAA tournament. In 2000, the Lions shut out Hopkins, 3-0, in the Regional Quarterfinals and defeated Hopkins by the same score in the 1999 Quarterfinals.

Certainly, Hopkins will look to avenge this loss next season, and with many of their starters returning along with a talented crop of freshmen who did not get much playing time this season, the captains felt confident the team would have a solid foundation for years to come.

"There are always times where you lose a lot of players, but it is a great opportunity for other players to step up," said Hewitt. "Now, they know what its like to play at this level and they have confidence having been to the NCAA tournament."

Not only did the Blue Jays qualify for the NCAA playoffs, they also won their game in the first round over Wesley College 5-1 last Wednesday at Homewood Field, courtesy of two goals Duncan and senior forward Jenny Farrelly. Hewitt added a goal and an assist in the game, enabling the Blue Jays to advance to the semifinals.

Hewitt, Duncan, and Farrelly highlight a strong class of six seniors who played their final collegiate game on Saturday.

"After starting the season 2-5, it's easy to get down in the dumps," said Duncan, "But this team had the drive to go on. A lot of teams didn't take us seriously this season, and we showed them that we have the ability to play at their level."

Duncan felt that one of the team's biggest improvements this season was in its grass game. Even though they are accustomed to playing on turf, the Blue Jays pulled together to win some critical grass matches and gained confidence in their ability to win on any surface.

Hewitt feels the graduating seniors are ready to pass the torch to the four juniors on the team and believes the leadership will remain in capable hands.

"A lot of juniors have already taken on somewhat of a leadership role, so being captains next year won't be so much of a leap for them," Hewitt said.

Duncan is also confident in the leadership and talent of the returning players, but she will definitely miss their company.

"I think the thing I'll miss the most is hanging out with all the girls and seeing them every day," said Duncan. "Our friendships go far beyond field hockey, and those will stay with us for years to come."