Freshmen hit the ground sprinting

With a handful of talented seniors graduated and a rough first two non-conference games, the women's field hockey team experienced a difficult start to the season.

The Tigers saw a strong Class of 2006 depart last June, including Lauren Ehrlichman, Hillary Schmidt and Maren Ford, who were all starters and significant contributors to Princeton's Ivy League title, as well as the team's qualification for nationals.

Along with the void left by graduation, every new year comes with its handful of fresh, eager faces, and the Class of 2010 is no exception. Though it took a game or two to adjust, the new freshmen have already proven to be worthy replacements, and several have shown great promise for the coming season.

With continued training and practice, the new crop of freshman should help the team maintain its grip on the Ivy League title through next season.

"In order for us to improve each day, every squad member must push the starters and vie for a position," head coach Kristen Holmes-Winn said. "We are constantly trying to create an environment that will mimic the tempo and energy that exists on game day. It is a big challenge, and I think the freshmen have done a great job."

This year, the team has brought six brand-new faces to Princeton. Though hailing from varying places throughout the U.S. and Canada, each has worked diligently to improve teamwork and mesh with one another on the turf.

Striker Tina Bortz from Emmaus, Pa., has kicked off a strong season debut, having already been named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week.

A teammate of reigning Ivy League Player of the Year sophomore Sarah Reinprecht on the 2005-2006 United States Under-21 national team , Bortz has already seen extensive field time, playing every minute of every game this season for the Orange and Black.

A National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) first team All-American in 2005, Bortz competed at the 2003 and 2005 National Futures Tournament and attended the 2005 Olympic Development Camp. The talented freshman also leads the Tigers in goals, assists and points with three, two and eight, respectively.

Midfield and striker Katherine Cape from West Vancouver, B.C., captained her high school varsity team as a senior. In 2004, Cape had opportunities to play on the regional and provincial U-16 and U-18 teams.

Striker Lauren Capps from Glenelg, Md., attained both all-state and all-county honors during her high school career. In 2005, she was named an alternate to the U-19 National Futures Tournament while captaining her school's varsity team.

Midfield and striker Kaitlin Donovan from Kennett Square, Pa., has also seen significant playing time early on this season. Having played both ice hockey and lacrosse, this versatile athlete was awarded three first team all-league honors. Fearless and quick-minded, Donovan is the team's prized utility player, working seamlessly with the other players.

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Defender Kaitlyn Perrelle from Lagrangeville, N.Y., is the team's other star freshman and like Bortz, has played every minute of every game this season.

Having competed in four New England Championships while at the Hotchkiss School, Perelle was named a first-team NFHCA All-American and was selected as its Most Valuable Player. An Olympic Development Select player in 2005-2006, Perrelle has quickly risen to become one of Princeton's spotlighted stars.

"Kait is anchoring our backfield, a big job as a freshman," Holmes-Winn said, "but she is handling the pressure beautifully. She has a very mature grasp of the game and is a terrific leader."

Last, but one of the most important, is freshman goalie Cynthia Wray from Newark, Del. With a career goals-against average of 0.92, this goalie led her high school team to the state championships and a No. 18 national ranking. Blessed with quick instincts and being mentored by seniors Alison Nemeth and Juliana Simon, Wray is destined to help the Tigers capture future Ivy League Championships.

The incoming freshmen, having attended both the field hockey summer camp and a team retreat to the beach, have easily adjusted and bonded with the veteran teammates — a key to future success.

"[The trip] is a great way for them to get acquainted in a low-stress environment," Holmes-Winn said. "They have meshed very well. I give a ton of credit to our sophomores, juniors and seniors for embracing the freshmen and providing them with direction."

After pocketing three consecutive wins, two coming against conference opponents, Princeton looks optimistically towards the next game. With this level of teamwork, and just a little more practice, the freshmen will play an integral part at defending the Ivy League title.