Bashore Receives All-Region (11-20-02)

11/20/2002 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey

August 13, 2003

Bloomington, Ind. - After two seasons of building a new program, the Indiana field hockey team broke out in 2002. Sixteen letterwinners and four starters return from a team that picked up a victory over nationally ranked Ohio State, the first victory over a ranked team in the program's history, and pushed ninth-ranked Louisville to two overtimes before falling to the Cardinals. The Hoosiers' hard work and effort showed on the field, and IU head coach Amy Robertson believes the team is ready to build upon last season's performance.

"In our fourth season we will continue to make significant strides and build on the previous three years," explained Robertson. "This has been a very exciting process because we keep moving forward and the improvement in our play and attitude has visibly jumped each season. For the first time we have our entire core returning. Ten starters are back from last year, plus a very talented group of incoming freshman. We have grown very close as a team in the spring and have a focus and determination that is unrivaled from our past teams. This group is capable of competing with any team in the country, and they will be exciting to watch."

OFFENSE

"Our forward line was built for speed and we will look to use that to our advantage in every game," said Robertson. "We will be working a great deal this year toward creating more scoring opportunities and quicker ball movement into the attacking circle."

Five players, including two starters, return to lead a Hoosier attack which set school records with 22 goals, 12 assists and a 1.16 goals per game average in 2002. Senior Erica Nilsson (18 starts) and sophomore Nikki Orciuch (14 starts) provide the team with three experienced and talented starters.

Nilsson led the Hoosiers with 11 points and five goals, both single-season records. She appeared in all 19 games, adding one assist and firing 29 shots.

"When you get Erica the ball in the circle she is a force who can make things happen and she has the ability to explode this year with goal scoring," said Robertson.

Orciuch was second on the team with three goals and third on the team with seven points in 2002. Seeing action in 19 games, she also contributed one assist and 22 shots.

Also returning this season is senior Jamie O'Pray. O'Pray led the team in shooting percentage (.500), converting six shots into three goals in 16 games.

"Nikki and Jaime have speed to burn and will be adding a lot more goals this year as they have improved their ball skills and scoring savvy," noted Robertson.

Jamie Baldwin returns for her junior season after playing in 16 games last year. Baldwin scored one goal on four shots.

"Jamie is a hard worker and a team player who has made a 100 percent commitment to the program," explained Robertson. "She has good fundamentals and provides the team with her great energy and enthusiasm."

Sophomore Amelia Quane rounds out the group of returnees on the offensive end. In her freshman season, she took six shots in six games.

"Amelia has really developed her stick skills and has the ability to be very productive for us in the attacking circle," said Robertson.

MIDFIELD

"Last season our strongest unit on the field was our midfield and they will be the linchpin to our success this season. We will place a lot of responsibility on our midfielders and ask them to step up even more this year."

The Hoosiers return three starters who started every game last season in the midfield. Junior co-captain Kayla Bashore leads the trio after being named first team All-Big Ten and second team NFHCA all-region in 2002. Bashore finished second on the team with nine points and netted three goals while dishing out three assists. Off the field, Bashore was honored with the Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship & Leadership Award.

"Kayla is the backbone of our midfield and can literally do it all," explained Robertson. "She is a great player who has the will to continue to sharpen her game every day she steps on the field."

Junior co-captain Ryan Woolsey returns to the midfield after a successful 2002 campaign. Woolsey, one of the most complete players on the team, dished out three assists for a total of three points.

Lindsey Nealis, a junior from Oak Park, Ill., joins Bashore and Woolsey in the midfield. Nealis, who appeared in all 19 contests last season with 14 starts, fired five shots and provided a spark on the field.

"Ryan and Lindsey are both very tough competitors on the attack and the defense who are also great leaders for this team," said Robertson. "Ryan was voted one of our team captains which shows how much her teammates respect and value her. Lindsey motivates and gives the team a big lift whenever she steps out on the field."

Also joining the trio is sophomore Lesley Wiler. She recorded two goals off of 17 shots and tallied four points last season.

"Lesley has developed into the team's most savvy player," explained Robertson. "She is also a scrappy player who makes a lot happen for the team on the field."

DEFENSE

"Although one of our key players graduated (Akila Jones), we still have plenty of experience and potential in our backfield," said Robertson. "We have a couple of players who have been waiting in the wings and are anxious to prove their worth. All of our backs are strong and aggressive defenders."

Four players return to lead an experienced Indiana defense that set school records with three shutouts and a 2.13 goals against average. Sophomore Morgan Albini made four saves and started all 19 games last season. Senior Ginna Irwin also started all 19 contests and will anchor the defense along with Albini.

"Morgan is a super athlete who started every game for us last year," said Robertson. "She will be a big key to our backfield as she has gained a lot of experience entering her sophomore season.

"Ginna has a lot of experience under her belt and will be a great asset in our backfield as a core player."

Joining Albini and Irwin is sophomore Mallory Reabold, who appeared in 18 games, with 16 starts and junior Brooke Evans, who saw action in nine games. Reabold garnered Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after collecting a goal in the team's victory over Ohio State and one against Louisville.

"Mallory is very athletic and talented and has the ability to do anything when she is assertive and plays with confidence," said Robertson. "She has a load of potential.

"Brooke is always working hard to improve her game and is determined this year to be a big contributor. She is very tough-minded and aggressive."

GOALKEEPERS

"Our goalkeeping situation is going to be a tough one this year, as we have three excellent keepers competing for one starting spot," explained Robertson. "Our goalkeepers have kept us in many games in the past and this year they will be there once again to ensure our success."

In the net, Robertson will have the luxury of choosing from three experienced goalkeepers. Senior Molly Pulkrabek started 18 games last season recording three shutouts, six victories and a 2.12 GAA. She also led the Big Ten with 147 saves.

"Molly has all the athletic ability in the world and worked very hard in the spring season," said Robertson. "She will offer the team a great deal of confidence and leadership."

Senior Katie Kanara returns to action after suffering a shoulder injury that forced her to redshirt last season. In 2001, Kanara started eight games and was a member of the Big Ten All-Tournament team.

"Katie has made a great comeback from her shoulder injury and has the mental ability to challenge for the starting position once again," explained Robertson.

Sophomore Lauren Brophy rounds out the goalkeeper corps. Brophy switched to goalkeeper last season and saw action in three games, making one start.

"Although Lauren has only one year of goalkeeping experience. She has learned the position and has developed into a very solid Division I goalkeeper," remarked Robertson.

INCOMING FRESHMEN

"We have a very capable and talented incoming freshman class who are ready to step into the challenge of building a top program," remarked Robertson. "This group of individuals will complement what we have developed and contribute to our success immediately."

The Hoosiers welcome five incoming freshmen to the squad. Jodi Murphy (Williamsburg, Va./Jamestown) and Rachel Telian (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) give the Hoosiers some depth at the midfield position. Forward Lydia Schrott (Quarryville, Pa./Lancaster Christian School) will add some offensive firepower, and Morgan Miller (Gap, Pa./Pequa Valley) and April Levins (Escondido, Calif./San Pasqual) will help solidify the defense.

"Jodi will add a great deal to an already talented group of midfielders," said Robertson. "She has the ability to be one of the top freshman in the Big Ten Conference.

"April and Morgan are going to be a big boost to our backfield. They both are strong athletes and have the potential to fill some big shoes.

"Although Rachel was a forward and midfielder in high school it is possible that she may fit into our team as a back. She has the ability to play in a few different spots on the field.

"Lydia is going to make an impact on our forward line as she understands the game very well and has a lot of playing experience coming out of high school."

SCHEDULE

The Hoosiers face a difficult schedule consisting of the defending national champions, the national runners-up, five NCAA Tournament participants and four conference champions. Leading off the season, the Hoosiers host Mid-American Conference contenders Central Michigan on August 30 and Miami (Ohio) on August 31. On September 21, Indiana travels to Virginia to face Atlantic 10 Champion Richmond. Mid-American Champion and NCAA Tournament participant Kent State arrives in Bloomington on October 5 and Northern Pacific Champion California faces the Hoosiers on October 19. Concluding the non-conference portion of the schedule, the Hoosiers face the defending national champion Wake Forest Demon Deacons in Iowa City, Iowa on November 1.

Indiana field hockey participates in the Big Ten Conference. Seven Big Ten universities compete in field hockey. The Hoosiers open Big Ten play on September 26 when 2002 NCAA Tournament semifinalist Michigan State comes to Bloomington. On October 3, last year's NCAA runner-up, Penn State, battles the Hoosiers in Bloomington. Indiana hits the road the following weekend taking on NCAA Tournament participant Michigan on October 11. The Hoosiers return home on October 17 for a match-up against Northwestern before traveling to Ohio State to take on the Buckeyes on October 25. Big Ten regular season action ends when the team visits Iowa on November 2. Penn State will serve as host of the Big Ten Tournament, which takes place November 7-9.

"We will have our work cut out for us as we have put together a 2003 schedule that will challenge us every step of the way," said Robertson. "In addition to playing an extremely tough Big Ten schedule, we have added a game against defending national champion Wake Forest and four other top teams that competed in the NCAA Tournament last season. I believe for the first time we are truly ready for the level of competition we are going to face. We have come a long way since the beginning, and we are now capable of playing with any team in the country."