Can the AstroTurf on the University of Maine’s Morse Field at Alfond Stadium be lifted and installed between Mahaney Diamond and Kessock [softball] Field for field hockey use in a couple of years?

That will be explored by University of Maine athletic director Patrick Nero soon after the Black Bear football team wraps up its season against archrival New Hampshire in 10 days.

“We will begin talking to the manufacturer to see about the possibility of moving the AstroTurf to the other area,” said Nero, who intends to put a softer artificial surface like FieldTurf on Morse Field.

“But field hockey needs to play on AstroTurf and the most likely spot would be between the baseball and softball stadiums. There is an area there where it would fit perfectly,” added Nero.

He said the earliest the changeover could begin would be after the 2005 football season.

“We’re probably looking at the fall of ’06 or ’07 [for it to be completed],” said Nero.

He said FieldTurf would cost $500,000 and he is curious to find out how much it would cost to move the AstroTurf.

Buying new AstroTurf could be extremely costly, according to Nero.

“The AstroTurf we have now is a lot more expensive than FieldTurf,” said Nero.

He said if everything falls into place and the AstroTurf can be moved for a reasonable price, “we’re hoping we can get another five or seven years of life out of it.

“The wear and tear is much less for field hockey than it is for football,” explained Nero.

Southwest Recreational Industries of Texas installed the AstroTurf in 1998.

The football and field hockey teams have used it for practices and games ever since.

UMF meets Keene State today

The 14-5 North Atlantic Conference field hockey champion University of Maine-Farmington will make its first ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament when the Beavers travel to play Little East Conference champ Keene State (N.H.), 14-7, at 4 p.m. today.

UMF has been led by first team All-NAC selections Kristy Veazie (14 goals, 1 assist), Mary Sinclair (12 & 3), Becky Christiansen (8 & 11), Mary Berry (4 & 3) and goalie Ashleigh Biette.

Keene State, which has won eight of its last nine, has been paced by Kaitlin Henley (12 & 8), Nichole Garneau (11 & 3) and Katy Pokrywka (10 & 10) along with goalie Sara Joyce.