June 26, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - Fueled by a high-scoring attack led by All-Mid-Atlantic Region selections Nicole Antonini and Katelyn O'Brien, the Saint Joseph's field hockey team continued to assert itself on the national scene in 2005. Notching double-digit victories in consecutive seasons for the first time in a decade, the Hawks reached the Atlantic 10 tournament for the fifth straight season and knocked off a nationally-ranked opponent for the first time since 1998.

Just the third pair of Hawks teammates to net double figures in goals in the same season, Antonini (13 goals, 4 assists, 30 points) and O'Brien (13 goals, 3 assists, 29 points) formed a formidable one-two punch that proved difficult to contain. Each player received First Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Philadelphia honors for their play in addition to garnering All-Region accolades. O'Brien, who capped her career by being selected to play in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association North/South Senior All-Star Game, received First Team All-Region honors, while Antonini captured Second Team recognition for the second consecutive season, the first Hawks to receive such honors since 1995. Both players also positioned themselves among SJU's career leaders in both goals scored and points.

While the tandem of Antonini and O'Brien received the bulk of the postseason honors, juniors Lauren Luft and Maureen Casserly and senior Hilary Moody proved also capable of providing punch.

A feisty winger, Luft continued to put up impressive numbers, often working in perfect tandem with Antonini. The All-Atlantic 10 and All-Philadelphia choice finished third on the team in both goals (9) and points (25), while topping the team in assists (7). Moody a stalwart on the Hawks' backline, anchored the team defensively, ranking seventh nationally in defensive saves. The Honorable Mention All-Atlantic 10 pick was also a weapon in corner situations finishing with nine points. Casserly added three goals and five assists for 11 points. Joining Moody to form the foundation of an underrated defensive line were sophomores Rebecca Cunfer and Katie Young. The reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year, Cunfer started every game in the cage for the Hawks. A student of the game, she received both Academic All-Conference and All-Area recognition.

Chosen as SJU's Most Valuable Player, Young ranks as one of the A-10's top defenders. Often overlooked because of her quiet demeanor, she possesses superior stick skills and is typically called upon to lock down an opponents top offensive threat.

The remainder of the regular lineup featured versatile two-way midfielders seniors Jackie Aronchick and Shelley Meier, along with sophomores Brooke Henry and Brianne Miller. Several others provided valuable depth including senior Emily Mannion, junior Charlsie Agro, sophomores Theresa Barbati and Karen Wiley and freshman Marisa Pizzi.

With double figure win totals in back-to-back seasons, head coach Michelle Finegan has quickly returned Saint Joseph's to national prominence. Possessing a veteran nucleus, the high scoring Hawks were difficult to out gun in 2005, netting the fifth highest scoring total in program history and reaching the Atlantic 10 CHampionship for the seventh time in eight years.