The field hockey program enters a new phase of building this year with their entrance into the Capital Athletic Conference. With a team comprised of eight underclassmen, anchored by four juniors and two seniors, head coach Staci Thomson believes good things will happen this year. “Even though we are small we are more united. Everyone is contributing,” Thomson said.

The unity of the team is bolstered by the excellent leadership of the team’s three captains, Christa Lundskow, Lauren Lieb and Crystal Parker. Lundskow, a defender, is a four-year starter. “Christa takes control on the field and leads by example,” Thomson said. For four years straight, Lundskow has also been honored by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association, being named to the organization’s Division III academic squad.

Lieb is also a four-year starter, playing the defender and midfield positions for the Blazers. Last season she played a pivotal role in Hood’s 1-0 upset over Mary Baldwin in the Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference semifinals. During the game she assisted on the lone goal of the game. “Lauren sees the field and has the best stick skills on the team,” Thomson said.

Joining the two senior captains is junior midfielder Crystal Parker. Parker is a three-year starter and smart player who works the strong side of the field and forces the opponents to the outside. Last season Parker earned All-AWCC first team accolades, after earning honorable mention during her freshman campaign.

Defense is most likely to be the Blazers’ strength, as it was last season. Junior goalie Ashley Saylor has been with the program for three years, but this is her second year as a starter. Thomson is looking for her to take a bigger leadership role and become more aggressive. Backing Saylor is freshman Anne Marie Hantman. Hailing from Queenstown, Md., Hantman is learning Hood’s new system and with hard work will see playing time.

On defense, along with Lundskow, are sophomore Jen Graham and freshman Jen Krietz. Graham is a versatile player who knows how to make things happen and is a bona fide team player. Krietz, a local product from Catoctin High School, possesses outstanding endurance and is improving everyday, Thomson said. Another second-year starter, Sarah Balukoff, along with freshman Patsy Davis will add versatility to the midfield. Balukoff has a strong defensive stick and forces fouls, while Davis mirrors Balukoff and doesn’t let up on defense, despite her size.

On the offensive end of the field Thomson boasts variety and experience. Aiding Lieb and Parker will be juniors Julie Schnitzker and Jessica Head, along with sophomores Lauren Perzan, Brandy Noel and Lizzie Hope. Perzan transitions well up field and delivers strong drives to set up the Blazer forwards. Schnitzker and Hope are both expected to have breakout seasons and be playmakers in the circle this fall. Returning from a knee injury, Hope was a top recruit last year and was a standout at Centennial High School. Hope is quick to the ball and will be key on attack.

Head worked hard on her off-season conditioning, while Noel is a second-year starter who will look to play a more offensive role this season. Noel, who tied for the team lead with 12 points on five goals and two assists, received All-AWCC honors in 2006.

The Blazers will play six of their first seven contests at Thomas Athletic Field and made their CAC debut Wednesday, Sept. 12, against York College (Pa.).