The Wheaton Women’s Field Hockey team has been making great strides to produce wins in a very competitive 2014 schedule. After a disappointing season in 2013, in which the Lyons finished with a 6-12 overall record, and 1-7 in NEWMAC record, they have certainly made sure to put in the work to make this season a step in the right direction.
The team currently holds a 5-2 winning record in all games with a 0-1 record in conference play. With new coaches, players, and most recently a brand new turf field in the Diane Nordin ’80 Athletic Field, the Lyons have been shaping this Field Hockey program to be successful. Three of last year’s five leading scorers have returned this season including co-captains Sarah McNicholas ’15 and Tracy McCann ’15. Additionally, the Lyons still have defensive wiz and goalkeeper Madison Wolters ’15 back in the cage who was recently named Corvias Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week.
But it’s not just the seniors who are helping this team. With twelve new freshmen, the Lyons plan on having depth for seasons to come and certainly during this rebuilding year, as well. Additionally, coach Cara Reese has made a very good impression on the program in her second season as Head Coach.
Hannah Thoms’ 18, who has been injured for the duration of the season, has high praise for second year coach Cara Reese. “Coach Reese stepped into the program 2 years ago and she has been a huge help to the program. In the past, the team hasn’t been as good as we are now” said Thoms.
The Lyons have greatly improved from last season to this current 2014 season already and it looks like the program has a promising future. This can perhaps even include a trip to the NEWMAC championships despite having one loss in conference play.
The team prepares to play their second conference game on the 27th against Smith and then Springfield and MIT in early October. The Lyons look forward to a streak of conference games against some very strong opponents.