Nov. 19, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Four Penn State field hockey players were named to the NFHCA All-Mideast Region Teams on Thursday following the Lions' strong finish to the season. Freshman Kelsey Amy (Sweet Valley, Pa.) and sophomore Jessica Longstreth (Richboro, Pa.) cracked the first team while seniors Laura Cahill (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Bethany Marvel (Newtown, Pa.) were named to the second team. The honor is the second of Marvel's career after also being named to the second team in 2008.
One of only two freshmen on the first team, Amy ended the season on fire, recording all 18 of her team-leading point total in the final 10 games. She racked up eight goals to lead the team, including all three of Penn State's scores in the Big Ten Tournament. She also recorded an incredible 11 points (5g, 1a) in the final four games, including two-goal efforts vs. Pacific and Ohio State. The streak started on Oct. 2 when she netted her first-career goal, the overtime game-winner in a 2-1 upset over the then No. 18 Buckeyes. Amy was rewarded with Big Ten Freshman of the Week accolades on two occasions, Oct. 5 and 26.
Longstreth, the Lions' other first-team honoree, earns her first-career distinction after finishing her sophomore campaign with 12 points (5g, 2a). The five goals were tied for second on the squad while the point total was tied for third. The team's primary penalty stroke shooter, Longstreth converted on 2-of-4 opportunities on the year. Among her goals were big markers against nationally-ranked Ohio State and Stanford. Her first two assists of the season came in the Big Ten Tournament, recording a single helper against No. 12 Ohio State and No. 18 Indiana.
In total, the Nittany Lions posted a 5-1 record when Amy netted a goal and 5-1 when Longstreth scored. The two scored in the same game on three occasions.
Two seniors in Cahill and Marvel round out Penn State's honorees. In addition to being named to the All-Mideast Region Second Team, the pair was named All-Conference earlier this month. They both started every game in stabilizing the back and midfield, respectively
Cahill had a strong season in serving as a veteran defensive presence following the loss of All-American Jen Long. One highlight came on Nov. 14 Stanford when she recorded a big defensive save in Penn State's 3-1 win. Cahill played in 83 of 84 games in her career.
Marvel was a strong presence at midfield despite not recording a point. She finished her career with 21 points via nine goals and three assists. She was named to both the NFHCA All-Mideast Region Second Team and the All-Big Ten Second Team in each of her final two seasons.
In addition to the seniors' success on the field, both have been named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team and NFHCA National Academic Squad every season.
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