Second year head coach Allison Beardsley and coaching staff have high expectations set for the field hockey season at Morrisville State College this fall, building off last year’s foundation with the largest recruited class for the Mustangs in program history.
With eight returning to the roster this fall, Beardsley is confident that the Mustangs will make positive gains in 2016 and the team is prepared to continue to build off the successful progress made during spring training.
“Last season was an adjustment year,” Beardsley commented, “There were new players, a brand new coaching staff, and new expectations. We worked hard during the spring, and with the addition of a strong group of newcomers to the program, I expect to see steady, consistent gains in our performance on and off the field.”
Among those returning to the roster in 2016 is junior midfielder Lauren Kellum (Eaton). Kellum led Morrisville State in scoring a year ago and proved to be an offensive threat as she posted nine goals and three assists for 21 points, earning her recognition on the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) All-Conference team come season end.
Sophomore Holly Gamlen (Cazenovia), along with junior goalkeeper Elizabeth Leva (Hoosic Falls), return to anchor the defensive unit.
“Statistically Gamlen gets overlooked, but she’s a central player that holds everything together for us, and is like the backbone of our team on the field,” Beardsley said.
“Leva has the work ethic of a true Mustang, she rarely fatigues and always fights to make herself better.”
While Beardsley couldn’t point out just one or two newcomers to the program to be key contributors, she did note that they are an exciting group to work with, coming from several quality programs across New York state.
The Mustangs will hit the field for the first time in 2016 on Thursday, opening the season on the road at William Smith College in Geneva, in preparation for a competitive conference slate within the SUNYAC.
“There’s always room to improve,” Beardsley said, “but the team’s persistence and dedication to get better every day will be key to our success this season.”
For complete roster and schedule information, visit the college’s athletic web site at www.morrisvillestateathletics.com.
2016 Roster:
| No. | Name | Cl. | Pos. | Ht. | Hometown/High School |
| 00 | Meredith Koziol | Fr. | GK | 5-7 | Waterford, N.Y. / Shenendehowa |
| 1 | Alisha Wittmer | Fr. | F | 5-4 | Auburn, N.Y. / Weedsport |
| 2 | Cassie Sherman | Fr. | D | 5-0 | Hoosick Falls, N.Y. / Hoosick Falls |
| 3 | Meghan Holcomb | Jr. | M | 5-7 | Hamilton, N.Y. / Hamilton |
| 4 | Holly Gamlen | So. | M | 5-5 | Cazenovia, N.Y. / Cazenovia |
| 5 | Giovanna Lisi | Fr. | F | 5-3 | Marathon, N.Y. / Marathon |
| 6 | Allyson Flurer | Jr. | F/M | 5-5 | Kinkletown, Pa. / Pleasant Valley |
| 7 | Emily Hunt | Fr. | M/D | 5-2 | Harpursville, N.Y. / Harpursville |
| 8 | Katrina Kilmer | Sr. | D | 5-8 | Walton, N.Y. / Walton |
| 10 | Lauren Kellum | Jr. | M | 5-8 | Eaton, N.Y. / Morrisville-Eaton |
| 11 | Brianna Fischetti | Fr. | F | 5-5 | Wading River, N.Y. / Shoreham Wading River |
| 12 | Kaylee Houseworth | So. | F/M | 4-11 | Schuylerville, N.Y. / Schuylerville |
| 13 | Alyx Kirchner | Fr. | M | 5-5 | Marathon, N.Y. / Marathon |
| 14 | Nicole Greiner | Jr. | D | 4-11 | Eden, N.Y. / Eden |
| 15 | Autumn Mitchell | Fr. | D | 5-7 | Canastota, N.Y. / Canastota |
| 18 | Natalie Diable | Fr. | D | 5-10 | Morrisville, N.Y. / Morrisville-Eaton |
| 50 | Liz Leva | Jr. | GK | 5-3 | Hoosick Falls, N.Y. / Hoosick Falls |
| 99 | Anna Montick | Fr. | GK | 5-4 | Oyster Bay, N.Y. / Oyster Bay |