Goalies Kara C. Eckert and Bridgette K. Street work on defensive drills during practice Monday. Photo by Katie Sedylmeyer | The Appalachian

The Mountaineers seem to be a more experienced team than in the past and are already running more sophisticated formations in practices and scrimmages.

The team’s four freshmen and new assistant coach, Amy Hendricks, have joined the 16 returning players and two returning coaches.

Performance from the two scrimmages Aug. 18 and Aug. 22 added to the positive view of the upcoming season.

Both matches played against North Carolina teams had different appeals and motivating game factors.

“Davidson is kind of a rival, so that was a really good match for us,” senior Caitlin Counts said. “And Wake Forest is one of the best teams in the country, so we had to play up to their level, which was good for us.”

Alexander similarly recognized the growth opportunities that came from playing a tough preseason opponent.

Some of the athletic strengths of the Demon Deacons are like that of other opponents on the Mountaineers’ schedule, and having experience playing similar team types will benefit the team in regular season play, Alexander said.

“We saw adjustments on the Davidson film that we needed to make, carried that over and adjusted it and fixed it at Wake,” Alexander said. “There, we were faced with more speed and talent, and it was good for us to adjust to that speed.”

The team opens its season Saturday in Farmville, Va., against Ball State, a team they lost 4-1 to last season.

With an entire defense of returners, practices have been focused on offense and the finishing ability to get the ball in the goal.

In addition to the more elaborate plays, both coach and players look forward to the chance to alter the outcome from last year.

“I think that we should definitely see a different result,” Counts said. “There’s always pressure playing a team you’re familiar with, but there’s even more added pressure if you lost [before].”

Regardless of the outcome of the game, Ball State will allow ASU to see how they perform with the new plays they have been practicing during preseason.

“It sets the tone, how we start out,” Alexander said. “Whether it be a win or a loss, we’ll be putting in much more elaborate, technical plays and formations. Our ability to adjust to Ball State’s play will also be a determining factor.”

Hendricks joins coaching staff

Amy Hendricks joins the field hockey team this season making her coaching debut.

Hendricks graduated in 2009 from Connecticut’s Sacred Heart University where she played for its field hockey team for four years.

While she is coaching for her first season, she brings four years of leadership and teaching ability from working at field hockey summer camps throughout New England.

“It helps me with the respect issue,” Hendricks said of her New England field hockey background. “We do have a lot of P.A. girls here, and some from Connecticut, and I do really feel as though I’m respected. Coming from that similar level of field hockey helps develop respect.”

A newcomer to the South, Hendricks noted she has had a completely different living experience since joining the Appalachian coaching staff.

“I’d heard of Southern hospitality of course,” she said. “But I have been completely overwhelmed with how real it is. I felt like I must’ve been on candid camera or something at first because everyone was holding doors open and just being so sweet. It’s been really nice.”

Hendricks expressed enthusiasm about multiple aspects of her new job and home and “looks forward to seeing the season progress.”

“I do feel like this is a step above what I’ve been doing, so I’m really excited about that,” Hendricks said. “I’ve been really impressed with all the girls here so far.”

Story: MARILYN PAYNE, Intern Sports Reporter
Photo: KATIE SEDYLMEYER, Intern Photographer