POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (August 25, 2010) – After a season in which the Vassar College field hockey team struggled with a 2-17 record and adapted to the transition of a new coach, the Brewers enter the 2010 season full of optimism, due in large part to a beefed-up coaching staff, 13 returning players, an influx of 10 incoming freshmen newcomers and 10 home games. It's no wonder the buzzword circling the team this season is “depth.”

Vassar will open its season on Wednesday, September 1 with an away contest at Hartwick College. The Brewers remain on the road for a September 4 contest against Keystone College and play their home opener on September 11 against Manhattanville in the opening round of the 22nd Betty Richey Tournament at Weinberg Field.

“The positive thing for our program heading into this season is that we graduated only four players, return the majority of our starters and welcome one of the biggest freshmen classes in our team history,” says head coach Cara Dunn. “I think the depth of our roster will help us win more games this year.”

Beginning her second season, Dunn welcomes back former head coach Judy Finerghty as a first year assistant coach. Finerghty coached the Brewers for 15 seasons before turning over the reigns to Dunn last year. “Having Judy back is huge given how long she coached field hockey at Vassar, ” explains Dunn. “That fact, in addition to the strength of our staff, which includes two volunteer coaches this season, will help us focus on individual and team goals and improve the team.”

Core Group Returning
The Brewers return 13 players, 11 of which started games last season. The focus for Dunn will be improving upon the 17 goals the team scored. With senior midfielder Jessica Lance, the team's leading returning scorer (4 goals, 3 assists), back for a final season, Vassar has the foundation for an improved offensive attack. “I think Jessica will have a great senior season,” says Dunn. “During her career she has shown her talents and her athleticism on the field can be a difference maker.”

The frontline offense will get a boost from sophomore midfielder Rebecca Smith, who had a pair of goals last season, junior midfielder Maura McCarthy, who had a goal and four assists last season and fellow junior midfielder Elizabeth Feltch.

Vassar has a multi-dimensional roster that according to Dunn features players “that are versatile and can play anywhere on the field.” Those players include senior captains Elissa Lim and Kara Voght on defense, an area Dunn says will improve due to team depth and the leadership of captains Lim and Voght.

“This team has a strong desire to win and I believe we head into this season with a 'no excuse' attitude,” says Dunn. “The team dynamic, along with a very talented freshman class, will aid our program in the steps we need to further our improvement.”

Among the returners expected to contribute this season are senior Madeline Rooney, junior Emily Maier and sophomore Elizabeth Annis.

The Brewers return two game-tested goalies in senior Rachel Horwitz and sophomore Rachel Clarkin-Breslin.

Home Sweet Home
After playing their first two games on the road, the Brewers will settle into a home field advantage with 10 turf games, including eight in a row from September 29 to October 23.