UM-Farmington field hockey in definite rebuilding year

“To use a cliche, we’ve lost nine of 11 starters, so we are in the proverbial building year.”

That’s how fifth-year University of Maine-Farmington field hockey coach Beth Evans looks at the 1992 Beavers, who play a Sunday game at St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vt.

UMF was 9-3 last year and, considering the turnover, is off to a good start with a 1-1 record. The Beavers have a 1-0 win over Endicott and a 2-0 loss to Bowdoin.

If one player symbolizes the attitude of a young, inexperienced team facing a tough NCAA/NAIA schedule, it’s first-year goalkeeper Libbi Magoon of Wilton, a sophomore.

“She was recruited by me, on campus,” Evans said. A high school coach at Mt. Blue, Evans knew Magoon was an excellent athlete. Evans asked her to be the UMF keeper, despite the fact Magoon had never played the sport before.

“Libbi had five saves against Endicott, and 12 against Bowdoin,” Evans said. “And, of the two goals scored by Bowdoin, one was a penalty stroke and the other a deflection off the stick of our own defenseman. She’s doing what I expected – a super job. She’s a bright spot where there was a negative coming into the season.”

Evans describes her “big, huge senior class” in two words: Caryn Farley.

The Thomaston resident is this year’s only four-year starter. She plays center back and is considered an outstanding defensive player.

UMF has a few more juniors, but only one, Christiane Augello of Turner, is a returning veteran. She plays center mid. Starting at right back is Robin Chambers of Rumford, with Lisa Smith of Old Orchard Beach at center forward.

Sophomore starters include Tracey Conners of Dexter (who is playing for the first time) at left mid. Beth Header of Bath holds the left back assignment and Shannon Dixon of Hampstead, N.H., is the sweeper.

Michelle Fecteau of Greene is a returning midfielder who was a reserve utility player last season. The sixth sophomore is forward Leanne Weston of Greene.

All the positions aren’t set yet, Evans said. Of the freshmen, some will start and others will rotate in. New to the team is Ali Bayer of Orono, who can play anwhere on the forward line. Bayer will probably work left or right wing and will split time with starter Krista Meyerwith.

Ann Connolly of Kittery will play a midfield position and Stacy Daudier of Saco will be at mid or in a forward spot.

“One thing about it,” Evans said. “No one can get hurt.” But, despite the difficulties see forsees for this building season, Evans is upbeat.

“I love what I’m doing, and the people who are here love the sport,” she said.

“I wouldn’t mind if there were just 11 of them. They want to be here. They have a very strong work ethic and they’ll work hard. We started off in triple sessions. These kids are very willing to learn. The team attitude is upbeat and positive. We’ll get through it.”

Getting through it won’t be easy, either, as UMF enters its second season in NCAA Division III play where the competition can be very stiff.

UMF needs the upgrade to make postseason play. Because the schedule lacked strength, even a 9-3 record didn’t qualify. “We’re breaking into the NCAA with other teams who are new, so our wins don’t count as much,” Evans said. “But that will improve as we all improve.”

UMF Field Hockey Schedule Sept. 20 at St. Michael’s Sept. 23 at Colby Sept. 27 Wheelock Sept. 30 Gordon Oct. 3 at Fitchburg Oct. 7 Bates Oct. 11 at Wheelock Oct. 15 Southern Maine Oct. 24 at Framingham State Oct. 28 at Endicott