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Pacific Field Hockey 2011 Season Recap
Stockton, Calif. - In a season where the Pacific Field Hockey team played eight games against six different top 30 opponents the Tigers finished the season with a 3-14 record. The 2011 squad had numerous highlights including a thrilling 3-1 win to close out the season over Radford.
Leading the charge in 2011 was senior and two-time captain Amanda Spellman. The senior from Gilroy, Calif. finished the year with a team leading 10 points after reaching the back of the cage a team-high five times.
The 2011 team collected its first win at Brown on Sept. 9, led by freshmen Tarah Trotter's two scores and rookie Malia Robertson's goal. Despite the three scores from its standout freshmen the Tigers were found in a tie with only two minutes left in regulation when Spellman knocked in a corner to beat the Brown keeper giving Pacific a thrilling 4-3 victory.
The Tigers would then have arguably their most exciting game of the 2011 campaign at Brookside Field on Oct. 2 against Robert Morris. After battling to a 2-2 tie through regulation and a pair of scoreless overtimes, Pacific and the Colonials squared off in penalty strokes. Junior goalkeeper Ashlee Schlesier made a diving stick save to set up sophomore Maggie Grindatti for a chance to win the contest. The Saco, Maine native, fired the stroke to the top left corner of the cage giving Pacific its first home win of the season.
After the season the NorPac Conference honored three Tiger players as Spellman, Schlesier, and Emily Tregoning were named to the All-Conference team.
The Tigers saved their most productive offensive game for last in its season finale at the NorPac Tournament against Radford. Led by two scores from sophomore Melissa Maultsby and a goal from Spellman the Pacific offense rallied for three goals in a span of 7:12 in the first half to down the Highlanders 3-1.
Following the incredible finish at the NorPac Tournament senior Robin Nelson was honored as she was placed on the All-Tournament team for her efforts against Radford.
The Pacific defense saw a season for the record books led by Schlesier in the cage, and junior Emily Trudeau on defense. Schlesier finished the season ranked third in the country with 9.44 saves per game, and 34th in the nation with a save percentage of .722. Trudeau from San Jose, Calif. finished the season ranked third in the nation with nine defensive saves for the Tiger defense.
The Tigers electrifying finale to the season left the team on a high-note heading into the offseason. Pacific will continue its grind with an offseason training regiment, and look to hit the ground running for its Spring scrimmages.
