Stockton, Calif. - A new era of Pacific Field Hockey will begin with the 2013 season. After adding coach Andy Smith from Cal in the offseason, the Tigers are poised to contend for a NorPac conference championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Certainly, there is a feeling of optimism amongst the coaching staff and players on the Stockton campus.
After announcing plans to play exclusively on turf fields in the 2013 season, coach Andy Smith took the Tigers' preseason training one step further when he announced plans to also practice exclusively on turf, holding preseason workouts at the Stockton Arena on turf formerly used by Stockton's now defunct arena football franchise.
"Stockton Arena was just phenomenal for us." Smith said of the downtown facility. "For us to be able to train in that world class venue for two weeks has been an incredible experience. The team was very happy with it and we got two weeks of hard work in there to set us up well for the season."
The season will begin with three designated home contests on turf fields in Palo Alto and Berkeley, Calif., against Michigan State, Missouri State and VCU. In late September, the Tigers will take a trip to the East Coast for a unique challenge in Philadelphia.
"We've got a trip to Philadelphia where we play four games in four days. For me, that's the best possible preparation for the conference tournament," Smith said of the trip to the City of Brotherly Love.
Overall, the Tigers will be tested in three different time zones, including a trip to Iowa City, Iowa.
"We've got a very strong schedule, with potentially four to five top 25 teams on it." Coach Smith noted, "it's a very tough schedule but we feel we will be able to compete."
Smith expressed excitement in adding assistant coach Laura Spellman, who was on his roster at Cal, and athletic trainer Renee Romo to the staff. In addition, Pacific adds a freshman class including several players that will provide a key role for the Tigers.
Pacific's head coach cited sophomore
Kirsten Doting as Pacific's most improved player and someone he expects to be an important part of the defense this season. He also noted redshirt sophomore
Erica Gordon had a strong preseason showing and expects to be a commanding presence in the midfield.
Senior co-captain
Emily Tregoning will continue being an anchor on the midfield while senior co-captain
Katelyn Tatar will be an integral part of the forward line. Seniors
Paige Counsman and
Melissa Maultsby, who co-led the Tigers in goals last season, will again be counted on to provide leadership to a young squad while serving as the orange and black's top goal scoring options.
Pacific's season will begin on Sunday, September 3rd as they play host to Michigan State in Palo Alto, Calif. at 2pm.
