BOSTON— University of New Hampshire, which last season won the America East Field Hockey regular-season title and advanced to the NCAA Championship for the second time in three years, is the preseason favorite to win the conference in 2001. Four different teams received first-place votes in balloting by the head coaches, who were not allowed to vote for their teams. The Wildcats received four of a possible 11 first-place votes and 75 points overall to edge 2000 America East Champion Boston University, which received three first-place votes and 71 points. Northeastern University (2 first-place votes, 67 points) and University of Delaware (1, 59) were others to receive first-place votes.
Drexel University, which advanced to the America East Field Hockey Championship last fall for the first time since 1992, was chosen fifth with 51 points. University of Maine (40), Hofstra University (30), University at Albany (21), University of Vermont (20) and Towson University (16) rounded out the poll.
The top four teams in the conference will advance to the America East Championship, which will be held at the highest seeded team with an artificial turf field. Semifinals are slated for November 2 with the championship game November 4.
The Wildcats return second-team all-conference midfielder Marcie Boyer (7 goals, 7 assists) and back Cameron Schmitz, a two-time all-conference choice, to a team that was 7-1 in America East last season, 14-8 overall. Junior Kristen Weldon (6 goals, 4 assists) and senior Tami Street (3 goals, 10 assists) will be counted upon for more offense following the graduation of America East Player of the Year Jessica Russell (17 goals, 6 assists). Two-time first-team all-conference goalkeeper Amy Agulay (14-8, 2.08, .806) has also graduated, and now plays for the Canadian National Team.
Boston University, 6-2 in America East and 16-8 overall, defeated New Hampshire, 2-1 in the America East Championship game a season ago. The Terriers return junior Jane Rogers (8 goals, 12 assists) up front and senior backs Kerry Carney and Felicia Cappabianca, each of whom received all-conference honors last fall. Senior Susan Harrington, the second-team all-conference goalkeeper, also returns after posting a 16-8 mark with a 1.52 goals against average.
Northeastern (4-4, 11-9) missed the America East Championship for the first time last fall after qualifying 10 straight years and winning six conference championships. Midfielder Fior D'Alize Arindell, back Kelly Williams and goalkeeper Kathleen Madaus, who led America East with a 1.41 goals against average, should have the Huskies back in the running this year. D'Alize Arindell and Williams were both first-team all-conference selections last year.
Delaware looks for its fifth-straight America East Championship appearance after finishing third (5-3, 8-12) a season ago. Three-time all-conference back Juli Byrd is one of nine starters returning for the Blue Hens.
Drexel posted a school-record 13 wins last season (5-3, 13-7) and returns America East scoring leader Pamie Zukowski (19 goals, 5 assists) and Kristina Backentose (11 goals, 5 assists), who was third in the conference in scoring.
Maine (3-5, 8-11) aims for its first appearance in the America East Championship since 1997, behind junior Jen Johnstone (9 goals, 1 assist), the team's leading scorer, and all-rookie goalkeeper Jerrell Lance (3-1, 1.02, .865).
Hofstra (3-5, 8-12) returns leading scorer Tricia Ann Greaves (7 goals, 2 assists) and goalkeeper Christine Hickey (5-6, 1.76, .841).
America East newcomer Albany was 10-8 as an independent last fall. Seniors Angie Stegel (17 goals, 7 assists) and Amy DiMicco (11 goals, 4 assists) have combined for 168 points in their collegiate careers.
Vermont (3-5, 8-11) had a seven-game turnaround from 1999 (1-17) thanks in large part to America East Rookie of the Year Whitney Gage, who scored nine goals and added three assists.
Towson (0-8, 4-16) has seven newcomers and six sophomores among the 22 players on its preseason roster.
2001 Preseason Poll
1. New Hampshire (4 first-place votes), 75 total votes
2. Boston U. (3), 71
3. Northeastern (2), 67
4. Delaware (1), 59
5. Drexel, 51
6. Maine, 40
7. Hofstra, 30
8. Albany, 21
9. Vermont, 20
10. Towson, 16