RAIDERS GEAR UP FOR 2001 SEASON

August 24, 2001
Contact: Michele Kelley
Office: (315) 228-7602
Fax: (315) 228-7977
Email: mlkelley@mail.colgate.edu

HAMILTON, N.Y. - This afternoon marked one of the final days of preseason practice for the Colgate field hockey team, as they prepare themselves for the 2001 season.  

Today's workout, held on Tyler's Field, included sprints and passing drills, as well as penalty corners and overtime scenarios.  The weather was near perfect, with blue skies, temperatures in the mid-70's, and a comfortable breeze.

The outlook for Colgate's season looks equally sunny, despite some injuries to key players.  Senior Kristine Thomas (Johnstown, N.Y.), who is the Raiders' top returning scorer and was a 2000 first-team all-Patriot League selection, is nursing a broken thumb, and is expected to be out for a further two weeks.  This afternoon's practice marked the first time she has been able to hold a stick since her injury.

Colgate's second-top returning scorer, junior Devon Graham (Mendham, N.J.) is recovering nicely from knee surgery in the off-season, and  her health is currently at 85%.  In practices, she has been struggling with a pulled right quad muscle, but the training staff does not believe that injury will keep her sidelined during the season.

In spite of these setbacks, the Raiders are excited to welcome 10 new members to their ranks.  The first-year players have brought energy and excitement to the entire team, in addition to their high levels of talent.

The Raiders, who open regular season play Wednesday night against Siena, will meet St. Lawrence in a preseason scrimmage Sunday afternoon at 4 pm on Tyler's Field.  St. Lawrence boasts one of the top teams in the state, and is annually ranked in the Division III polls.