Dec. 10, 2003
Beverly, MA - Gulls' field hockey named four senior captains for next season. Jen McCormack will lead the Gulls for a second year, while teammates KD Balentine, Jen Carney, and Lisa Cote will be at the helm for the first time. Their combined talent, leadership, and enthusiasm will be a great asset as the team continues its quest for a conference championship title and a bid to the NCAA Tournament.
It is not difficult to understand why these four individuals have been selected by their teammates to represent the team for 2004. Individually they have found success in their respective positions, and as a unit they have an incredible amount of experience and desire to achieve team goals. The four of them have spent their entire collegiate careers playing together and getting to know how their teammates think and react to one another.
As seniors, they will expect nothing short of perfection. For the second year in a row, 2003 found them Runners-Up to New England College in the conference championship match. After holding first place in the CCC for 6 consecutive weeks, and handily beating NEC 5-3 just a few weeks before the championship, this was not an easily acceptable outcome for the Gulls. The defeat has only made them hungrier for next season when the Gulls return all but two players from the 2003 roster, and look to add a talented freshman class as well.
KD Balentine (Fwd/York, ME) has the enthusiasm, leadership and love of the sport vital to any team. From her position at center forward, she has the ability to possess the ball from one end of the field to the other. She consistently creates scoring opportunities for her teammates as well as herself. Balentine ranked second for the Gulls in assists with 5, and third in total points with 13. Balentine was one of just four players to start every game for the Gulls this season. Her spirit and motivation will lend immeasurably to the team's successes in the coming season.
Jen Carney (D/Wenham, MA) was awarded a plaque for Outstanding Player at the Springfield Invitational Tournament during the Gulls opening week of games this season, and she never looked back. Her success at sweeper for the Gulls' is evident in the 8 defensive saves she recorded, and in her teammates' confidence in her as their last line of defense. Carney played and started in every regular season and conference tournament game for the Gulls, only missing the ECAC game against Springfield College when she was unable to attend. She was named to the CCC Second Team All-Conference. Carney's dedication to her teammates and their success will serve her well as she looks towards 2004.
Lisa Cote (D/Manchester, NH) became a top defender for EC in 2003. Not only does she have the ability to thwart advancing opponents in the circle and safely carry the ball out, but her opponents are lucky if she allows them to get near the circle at all. One of her strengths is her support of the offensive unit in keeping the ball on our attacking end, many times above the 50-yd line. Her leadership, both by example and commitment make her an ideal role model for the Gulls.
Jen McCormack (Fwd/Milton, MA), aside from being the Gulls' junior captain, had a very impressive offensive season. McCormack tied the school record for total points in one season with 30, and set a new school record for goals scored in a season with 14. She is the first Endicott field hockey player to be named CCC Player of the Year. McCormack also received First Team All-Conference recognition for 2003. Her experience as a team-leader and her determination to take the team one step further will be joined by three other extraordinary captains for what promises to be a 'banner' year for Gulls field hockey.
Balentine, Carney, Cote and McCormack know all too well how close they have come to their goals. And so do their teammates; everyone believes they will be the 2004 CCC Champions. It is this mental toughness that will make the Gulls unbeatable in the coming season.
