Coming off one of the most impressive turnarounds in program history, third-year head coach Molly Evans looks to use a solid foundation of veterans, featuring four four-year starters, to continue to build on Hood’s recent success.
After a 4-12 season in her first season at Hood in 2008, Evans guided the Blazers to a program-record eight victories in 2009 and posted Hood’s first winning season since 2005.
Eleven players, all of whom were featured prominently in last spring’s starting lineup, return this year. But with the addition of eight eager newcomers, no one’s starting position is safe. Evans has been impressed with how conditioned, dedicated and focused her squad of 19 is coming into the 2010 campaign.
Senior midfielder Brandy Noel has established herself as one of the most prolific scorers to don the blue and grey. Coming into her final season as a Blazer, she ranks second all-time in goals (77), fifth in assists (15) and third in total points (92). Junior attack Kelsey Blackwell has also been a go-to scorer for the Blazers over the past two years. The native of Gaithersburg paced the Blazers in scoring last season with 33 goals and a school-record 21 assists.
Other strong contributors to Hood’s offense will be seniors Jen Graham, Lauren Perzan and Sarah Balukoff. Perzan was third on the squad in scoring in 2009 with 30 points on 18 goals and 12 assists. She also led the team in draws with 35. Graham also netted 18 goals and assisted on four others while Balukoff amassed 21 points on 17 goals and four helpers.
Sophomore Katie Vu started all 15 games for Hood in her first collegiate season and handled the majority of the Blazers’ draws. She tallied 13 goals and contributed five assists during her rookie season and should be called upon to start at center once again this year.
The Blazers scored a program-record 164 goals in 2009, shattering the previous mark of 128 set during the 1998 season. With the addition of Caitlin Lawrence, Jordan Knight and Amalia Franzese, the Blazers look to exceed that total this season.
On the defensive end, 2009 starters Abby Dyjack and Julia Banks should play a major role in marking the opponents’ top offensive threats. Dyjack caused 13 turnovers last season and scooped up a team-high 46 groundballs. Newcomers Miriah Stone, Jen Civick and Kimi Brunot will help supplement Hood’s defensive presence.
Sophomore Sam Liptrap logged all 900 minutes between the pipes for Hood last season and will continue in that capacity this spring. She posted a .445 save percentage, made 129 saves and recorded two shutouts as a freshman.
Evans admits that one of her proudest moments was guiding the Blazers to their first Capital Athletic Conference victory over Wesley College in Hood’s home opener last February. She also remarked how rewarding it is to see her squad work together, develop their skills and show marked improvements from her first season to the present.
Another key attribute inspiring the Blazers this season is the addition of Hood’s brand new turf field. The Blazers will showcase their new home to seven opponents this season, beginning with Washington and Jefferson College on March 6. CAC rivals the University of Mary Washington, York College (Pa.) and Marymount University will also be treated to one of the finest outdoor facilities in the game when they visit Frederick.
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