Oct. 29, 2009
SENIOR FIELD HOCKEY CAPSULES
Gina Bartolacci
The true definition of a student-athlete, Gina Bartolacci is just that, a student and an athlete. She has been a key member of the Nittany Lions with her overall success far exceeding simply her strong play on the field. She owns nearly a 4.0 GPA in the classroom, garnering a number of academic honors including Academic All-Big Ten in 2008 while cracking the NFHCA National Academic Squad every season. Bartolacci's on-field contributions have included many, highlighted by her first-career goal last season vs. Georgetown while her second came last time out against Pacific. Bartolacci started her first-career game in this season's home-opener and earned her second-career start last weekend at No. 20 Indiana.
Amy Bonenberger
One of three senior captains, Amy Bonenberger has enjoyed an outstanding career in Happy Valley. After playing in 11 games as a freshman, she earned a starting position in 2007 as part of Penn State's magical run to the National Championship Game. She was also honored with Big Ten All-Tournament Team accolades that season. The Palmyra, Pa. native then started all 20 games as a junior in the Lions' Big Ten Championship effort, finishing fourth on the team in points with 13 (5g, 3a). Now as a senior, Bonenberger has six points which includes the distinction of scoring the team's first goal of the year, at Old Dominion in the season-opener. Always a steady presence in the back, she has been a key component of the penalty corner unit as well. Along with success on the field, Bonenberger was named an Academic All-Big Ten honoree in 2007 and 2008 while cracking the NFHCA National Academic Squad every season.
Laura Cahill
The second of two Cahill sisters to play for the Nittany Lions, Laura's sister Sarah also played at Penn State from 2002 through 2005. Starting one season after her sister graduated, Laura made her mark from day one. A senior co-captain, Laura has been a steady member of the Lions' defense for all four years, starting 80 of 81 games in her career (heading into Saturday). Not only has she started all 61 games over the past three seasons, but she also started 19 of 20 as a true freshman, jumping right into a strong Penn State lineup while looking like a seasoned veteran. Her awards are endless, including Academic All-Big Ten as a sophomore and junior while cracking the NFHCA National Academic Squad every year. In addition, Cahill was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Aug. 27, 2007.
Christine Dudek
Dudek has continued to improve, saving the best for last in this, her redshirt-senior season. After no points in either of her first two seasons, she broke out with 10 on five goals last year. Now, as one of two fifth-year seniors on the squad, she has led the offensive charge with 12 points (3g, 6a) to tie for the team lead. In addition, the team-leading six assists comes after she had none her first three seasons combined. Incredibly, she's had a hand in just under one third (9 of 28) of Penn State's goals. Like Bonenberger, Dudek is also crucial to penalty corner success with a number of her assists coming directly off successful corners. Dudek has impressed in the classroom, being named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad in 2005 and to the Academic All-Big Ten Team in 2006 and 2007.
Brooke Hoffsmith
A quiet leader, Hoffsmith lets her actions do the talking. Like Cahill, Brooke saw her sister (Erica) play at Penn State. Unlike Cahill though, her career path did overlap her sister's in 2005. Brooke played in eight games as a freshman then earned 18 starts (in 24 games) in the 2007 National Finalist season. She then started all 20 contests as a junior, earning Big Ten All-Tournament Team accolades. Her steady play has continued this year. One highlight came against nationally-ranked Stanford when the former high school teammate of Bonenberger made two defensive saves in a thrilling home victory. Like many backs and midfielders, Hoffsmith's positive impact isn't always noted in the box score. She was honored last year by being named to the NFHCA All-Mideast Region Second Team to go along with her Big Ten All-Tournament Team recognition.
Bethany Marvel
A starter from day one, Marvel jumped right into collegiate field hockey and showed that she belonged. Heading into the regular season finale vs. Michigan State, she has started all but one game (80 of 81) in her decorated career. Her success was recognized last season when she was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and the NFHCA All-Mideast Region Second Team. The success doesn't end on the playing field as she has enjoyed many achievements in the classroom as well, being named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad (2006-08) and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree (2007, 08). The two-way midfielder can be seen attacking the goal while also dropping back as a key member of a strong Nittany Lion defense.
Jen Miller
Jen Miller has developed from a key role player into a workhorse in the back. She has started all 37 games over the past two seasons in helping stabilize Penn State's always impressive defense. Miller is one of two current Lion players who were on the 2005 Big Ten Champion team as that was her redshirt season. She was then a part of the National Finalist squad in 2007 and another Big Ten Championship team last year. Nicknamed "Jersey," the New Jersey native will be remembered for her constant energy and enthusiasm. Also successful in the classroom, Miller has been named to both the NFHCA National Academic Squad and the Academic All-Big Ten Team every year.