The University of Maine field hockey program, which posted a 15-4 record and earned a berth in the America East championship game last fall, has received six National Letters of Intent as it looks to replace five starters and three of its top four scorers.

“We’re very excited with our incoming class. It has a lot of potential,” said 12-year Black Bear coach Terry Kix. “They will challenge our returners for playing time. Our most immediate need is to replace the scoring.”

One of the recruits who could provide immediate help in that area, according to Kix, is Kirsten Costa of Harwich, Mass., who was the leading scorer in Massachusetts last fall and was selected the Division II Player of the Year by the Boston Globe.

Two other incoming attackers are from Maine.

Teig Choroszy of Saco’s Thornton Academy was an all-state selection and two-time Southern Maine Activities Association choice and Kristen Healy was a three-time All-Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference choice at Leavitt High School in her native Turner.

Two other recruits could also provide offense from their midfield slots: two-time all-conference choice Joanna Klein from Monterey, Cal. and South Shore League all-star Regina Legge of North Harwich, Mass.

Kix has also added some depth in goal with Cony High School of Augusta standout Rebecca Giroux, who received several post-season honors including Northeast Regional All-American, a Miss Maine nominee and a KVAC first team pick.

Kix speculated that the newcomers will provide her with, potentially, the deepest team she has had at Maine.

“I’ll be able to play 15-18 players next fall,” said Kix who will return 17 field players and two goalies.

And she said her concern about the offense has been eased by the play of some of her forwards/midfielders this spring including sophomore Rachael Hilgar, her second leading scorer last fall with eight goals and an assist in 19 games.

“I feel a lot better about [our offense],” said Kix, who is looking to build on the momentum accrued last season and transform it into another stellar season next fall.

Maine hockey banquet May 16

The University of Maine will holds its men’s hockey awards banquet on Friday, May 16 at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

It will begin at 5:30 with the awards presentations and dinner scheduled to start at 6:15.

Seating is limited and reservations are required prior to May 9. Tickets are $25 apiece.

To reserve your seat, contact Alexis Wollstadt at 827-3769 or download a registration form off the UMaine web site at GoBlackBears.com.

WZON play-by-play man and Hang Time show host Dan Hannigan will be the master of ceremonies. Merrill Bank will sponsor the banquet.

UMaine’s Corbitt, Lance honored

Kim Corbitt and Jaye Lance of the University of Maine have been named winners of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sport Scholar Award presented by Black Issues in Higher Education magazine.

The award recognizes student-athletes of color who have achieved academic success and are leaders among their peers.

Corbitt, a sophomore point guard on the Black Bear women’s basketball team, boasts a 3.55 grade point average in biological engineering.

Corbitt, from Albany, N.Y., averaged 6.3 points per game and logged a team-high 138 assists last season. She was named America East’s Defensive Player of the Year and a third-team all-star.

Lance is a repeat recipient of the Ashe Award and was one of five field hockey players recognized. The junior carries a 3.28 GPA in broadcast journalism.

Last fall, the Columbia, Md. native, posted an 11-4 record with a 1.32 goals-against average and a .819 save percentage. Lance was an All-America East first-team pick.

NESCAC honors Colby’s Hughes

Sara Hughes of Colby College in Waterville has been named the co-winner of the New England Small College Athletic Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Year Award.

Hughes, a sophomore from South Burlington, Vt., shared the honor with Stephanie Hall of Williams. Hughes was unseeded in the “A” flight singles and the No. 1 doubles draw, but advanced to the semifinals in both events to help the White Mules finish fifth in the league championship.