Aug. 14, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State field hockey team is deep into preseason training after reporting to campus on Tuesday in search of back-to-back Big Ten Championships. The squad is in the midst of two-a-day practice sessions in preparation for next Tuesday's exhibition vs. Villanova.
"I'm really pleased with the girls' fitness level coming back to start camp," Head Coach Charlene Morett said. "They really did a great job this summer getting themselves fit and ready for the preseason. We're doing well. We have a smaller squad than in the past, but everyone is working very, very hard."
After meetings on Tuesday, the Nittany Lions hit the field for their first practice on Wednesday morning. Three days in, a young squad has taken many strides, led by senior captains Amy Bonenberger, Laura Cahill and Bethany Marvel.
"We've had outstanding leadership, not only with our three captains but with all the seniors," Morett said. "That's been a real positive starting out this week. We're taking things one session at a time and getting a lot done in those sessions.
Head Coach Charlene Morett instructs her players before they break off into a drill |
"I'm really pleased with the team," she continued. "Their attitude and work ethic is great. It's been a lot of fun with a lot of good things happening very early."
As the Nittany Lion field hockey program celebrates its 45th anniversary, the 2009 season is sure to be an exciting one. Penn State trails Old Dominion by only two for the most NCAA Appearances of all-time and looks for back-to-back Big Ten Championships for the first time since 1997-98. Morett also enters the season eight wins shy of becoming only the fifth coach in NCAA history with 400 career victories.
Penn State opens its season on Tuesday , Aug. 19 in an exhibition vs. intrastate rival Villanova. The home contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. The first regular season game is set for Aug. 28 at Old Dominion while the home opener is Sept. 4 vs. Lock Haven.
You can see a photo gallery from Day Three of camp by clicking here. The 2009 media guide is now available as well; just click here to check it out!
Be sure to check back to GoPSUsports.com for continued updates as the Nittany Lions prepare for the season.