KUTZTOWN, PA (November 16, 2010)—Rain nor wind could stop the Kutztown University's field hockey team from ending its regular season in style. With the help of freshman Brittany Krall (Oley, PA/Oley Valley)'s hat trick, the Golden Bears defeated Mansfield University 9-3 in a non-conference contest, Tuesday evening on University Field. (BOXSCORE)
KU (12-8 overall) was fifth in last week's final Kookaburra/ National Field Hockey Coaches' Association (NFCHA) Division II top poll. The Golden Bears spent seven consecutive weeks ranked in the top five.
Despite the cool temperature, gusts of wind, and rain, Kutztown was pumped up and full of energy as six different Golden Bears scored. KU couldn't have ended its regular season in a better way, scoring the most goals in a game, since they tallied nine on Sept. 4, 2009 against Catawba.
Katie Brautigan (Bernville, PA/Tulpehocken) and Emily Labowitz (Bala Cynwyd, PA/Lower Merion) got it started for KU in the early minutes scoring a goal each, giving Kutztown a 2-0 lead. Brautigan's goal was assisted by Abbey Sheeler (Fleetwood, PA/Brandywine Heights) and Labowitz's goal was assisted by Imani Ferguson (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape). MU's Alycia Pici answered with a goal that cut the Golden Bears advantage to 2-1 at intermission.
At the start of the second half, Kutztown unleashed Krall, its secret weapon. Krall's triple threat ability was displayed, making it hard for Mansfield to stop her. This was Krall's first hat trick and first goals of the season. Krall's last goal was assisted by Kim Angstadt (Oley, PA/Oley Valley).
Jamie Koenig (Springtown, PA/Palisades) was also a dominating factor. As KU continued to increase its lead, Koenig worked overtime to deliver two goals; one of which was assisted by Krall. This was Koenig's second multi-goal game. She finished the season third on the team in goals (10).
Jenna Gregory (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg) and Kim Angstandt both scored for KU. Gregory ended the season as KU's leader in goals (11) and assists (eight). She had three multi-goal games on the season. Angstandt concluded the season with three goals and two assists. KU goalie Emily Falko (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua) recorded four saves against the Mountaineers. Falko recorded 101 saves on the season.
Mansfield's Taryn Schawillie and Kristy Tutorow also had goals for the Mountaineers. The Golden Bears outshot MU 25-9.
Kutztown's regular season displayed their talent across the board, proving that the Golden Bears are team players. Labowitz and Erin Reynolds (York, PA/Central York) each had five goals this year. Samantha Carberry (Shrewsbury, PA/Susquehannock), Brautigan, Ferguson, Krall, and Angstandt all scored three goals each. Julie Rosenkaimer (Lansdale, PA/North Penn), Elly Skinner (Prompton, PA/Honesdale), Kelly McCartin (Horsham, PA/Hatboro-Horsham), and Brooke Mathews (Reedsville, PA/Indian Valley) each had goals for KU this year. Goalie Karly Waltman (Birdsboro, PA/Twin Valley) also protected the cage, recording 26 saves.
KU is fourth in the Pennslyvania State Athletic Conference in goals scored (54) and assists (33). The Golden Bears are third in the PSAC in defensive saves (8). KU is third in the eastern division, behind East Stroudsburg and Bloomsburg.
The Golden Bears have a lot to look forward to next season. Kutztown will lose one player. Senior Abbey Sheeler (Fleetwood, PA/Brandywine Heights) was selected to play in the Division II North/South Senior Game on Dec. 3 in Louisville, Kentucky. She helped lead the team with 11 goals and four assists.
Kutztown plans to continue to work hard with its eager, youthful team to help lead KU to more success next year.
