WILLIAMSTOWN, MA — Questions surround the Williams College
field hockey team as it entered the preseason earlier this
month.
In head coach Alix Barrale’s mind, that wasn’t
necessarily a bad thing.
Back for her 10th season, the veteran coach (112-47, .704 winning
pct.) thinks the 2009 Ephs have a “healthy balance” of
veterans and youngsters, including an incoming first-year class on
eight. But with several of her more experienced veterans
coming off injuries, health is a big concern.
“We have a solid number of players, but some of our veteran
players, unfortunately, are limited right now,” Barrale said.
“That leaves some question marks, which is not a bad thing.
It means I have the opportunity to foster competition in the
preseason and evaluate our younger players quickly.”
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| Anne de Saint Phalle '10 |
Among the throng of graduates in June were All-New England
selections Meighan McGowan and Sarah Burleigh, the Ephs’
leading scorer and best defender from a year ago.
Even with those losses however, Barrale is excited about the
leadership she’s getting from seniors Anne de Saint Phalle,
Amy Siedlecki and Whitney Thayer, each a tri-captain for this
season.
Where that trio fits on the field is yet to be determined. Thayer,
who scored one goal and assisted on two others last season, will
play at an inside forward position most likely. But de Saint Phalle
and Siedlecki are both coming off injuries and how much and at what
level they’ll be able to play is up in the air.
“We need Anne’s presence on the field,” Barrale
said. “However we can do that to best utilize her abilities,
we’ll do. She has a do-or-die attitude that I would love the
rest of the team to emulate.”
The junior class includes left wing Lindsay Davies, who earned
more playing time at the end of the ’08 season with her
improved play, midfielder Alice Bearn, and goalkeeper Katrina
Tulla.
Barrale also has 10 sophomores and eight first years to throw into
the mix. Several sophomores will play key roles after limited
action as first years. Amy McLaughlin will help anchor the
defensive unit, while Meera Sivalingam and Lucy Rollins will play
key roles in the midfield.
With a new rule that changes the nature of a self-start after a
foul, speed and fitness will player larger roles than ever. To that
end, Sophomore Karyn Moss will add plenty of speed to the Ephs in
the midfield.
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| Meera Sivalingam
'12 |
Up front, sophomore Ariel Lyddane should provide some help on
the wing. Other sophomores who may play bigger roles in the
midfield and at forward include Margie Fulton, Kaitlyn Ellis and
Helena Nannes. Izzy Lee is expected to provide depth in the
midfield.
The group of first years is a long one. Barrale could only offer a
guess as where one might play, let a lone all nine. Katie Holmes
and Corneila Burleigh, sister of Sara, could provide help on
defense. In the midfield, or at forward, could be Sarah Eades,
Kelly Nault, Nicolle Perry, Katie Perry and Casey Greene.
There is one first year goalkeeper expected to push the incumbent
starter, the aforementioned Katrina Tulla, for playing time: Emily
Steinberg. Emily is the sister of Jen Steinberg, who played for
Barrale in 2002-2005.
Last season, Tulla played all 1,408-plus minutes in goal for the
Ephs.
“I love Katrina’s athleticism,” Barrale said.
“She’s an exceptional athlete. But she is limited at
times because of injuries. I think our first year is really solid,
it will be interesting to see how her game changes when she has to
play at a higher level.”
Expect the first year class to have an impact if they earn it,
Barrale said.
“Last year I didn’t acclimate the first years as early
and as often as I should have,” she noted. “If I can
get them acclimated pretty quickly, I will. I do hope this group
pushes our upperclassmen to raise their game as well.”
Getting acclimated while playing field hockey in the NESCAC is a
tough challenge. With defending national champion Bowdoin in the
league, along with runner-up Tufts and perennial power Middlebury,
each and every game will be a test. Trinity is highly ranked as
well.
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| Whitney Thayer '10 |
“Our conference is undoubtedly the best in the country,” Barrale said. “Every team is extremely competitive and thusly, our schedule this year is extremely competitive. I would like us to compete as hard as we can every game. I think last year we started to fear losing rather than going out and winning games. We need to learn to compete at a high level on a consistent basis again.”
