KUTZTOWN, Pa. (September 10, 2011) – The start of the season could not have gone any better for the Kutztown University field hockey team. It defeated Bellarmine University 4-3 Saturday afternoon in the championship game of the Joshua Wesner Memorial Tournament at University Field. (BOXSCORE)

The Golden Bears (3-0 overall) triumphed over a talented Bellarmine team who also won its first two tournament games.  Imani Ferguson (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) led the way for KU, scoring goals on both of her shot attempts.  The junior now has three on the season.

KU found itself in a 2-2 draw midway through the second half, but was able to find the spark it needed to put the game out of reach.  In the 49th minute, Ferguson was able to net her second goal of the day off a penalty corner taken by Jamie Koenig (Springtown, PA/Palisades).  Knowing how Bellarmine would battle and play to the final whistle, the Golden Bears continued to keep their foot on the throttle and keep the pressure on the Knight defense.  With less than seven minutes left in regulation, Koenig connected for a goal of her own to put the game out of reach.

“I thought we played with a lot of heart,” head field hockey coach Betty Wesner said.  “Our players had a goal in mind and you could tell how focused they were late in the game.  Every time our team has stepped on the field, I have seen improvement.  Hopefully that can carry throughout the season.”

Koenig leads Kutztown with four goals in her sophomore season.  She continues to play an integral role in the Golden Bear attack and has become a leader on the offensive end.

At the other end of the spectrum, Kutztown's defense has smothered opponents in the early going of the season.  With a back line filled with underclassmen, senior goalkeeper Emily Falko (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua) has commanded her troops in the defensive third.  She had 11 saves in Saturday's victory, bringing her season total to 17.

“As a forward line player, Jamie is truly a leader and has really risen to the occasion,” Wesner said.  “I'm quite happy with Emily as well.  She really has done a great job not only in the goal cage, but has also been a great leader off the field.  I couldn't be happier.”

Bellarmine (2-2) opened the game with a goal by Ellen West in the opening ten minutes of play.  The Knights scored a pair of second half goals by Dezirae Hall and Emily Belshoff.  Goalkeeper Megan Martiney finished with 15 saves.

After the final game, the Golden Bears were awarded the tournament championship trophy along with having three players named to the All-Tournament team.  Along with Koenig and Ferguson, junior forward Amy Dando (Marysville, PA/Susquenita) earned All-Tournament recognition.

Kutztown also won the tournament in 2009 when it went 3-0 with wins over Catawba College, Limestone College and Bellarmine.  Moving forward from its successful weekend, the Golden Bears now prepare for its first conference game next week.  KU will travel to Millersville on Tuesday, Sept. 13 for a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division matchup beginning at 6 p.m.

“It's wonderful that we were not only able to win our first three games, but that we also were able to win the tournament,” Wesner said.  “The good thing about these games was that all of our players got a chance to see time on the field.  It gives me an idea what some of our freshmen potential is, and it gives the players an idea of what it takes to play at this level.”

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WESNER GOLF TOURNAMENT OUTING STILL ON: The annual Joshua Wesner Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Willow Hollow Golf Course in Leesport. The tournament will start at 8 a.m. and is $140 per two person team and $70 for an individual. The entry fee includes cart, lunch buffet, beverages, and prizes. CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

The tournament is named after Josh, the son of KU field hockey coach Betty Wesner. Josh died in 2000 after a battle with Hodgkin's Disease. He was 23.

All profits from this tournament are donated to the scholarship funds for Kutztown University and Exeter High School. Anyone wishing to be a sponsor may do so by making a donation. If you are interested in donating prizes or have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact Dick Houck (610)468-9348