Volume aaa, Number 7 November 1, 2002 f

Field Hockey stumbles, but still maintains #1 rank in NESCAC
ALLIE YANIKOSKI
STAFF WRITER

The Polar Bears continue to practice on Ryan Field while preparing for the NESCAC tournament. (Karsten Moran, Bowdoin Orient)

With one remaining regular-season game, Bowdoin's phenomenal field hockey team is still ranked the best team in the NESCAC, tied with Williams and Middlebury, both of whom the Bears have defeated.

After a 4-0 loss to Colby this weekend, the Polar Bears boast an impressive 6-2 NESCAC record, compared to the Mules' 4-4.

"Colby played really well, and we did not play as well as we could have," said senior co-captain Jackie Templeton. "We're learning from our mistakes against Colby, and we're refocusing."

However, despite the final goal tally, Bowdoin goalkeeper Gillian McDonald faced only 7 shots on goal, 3 of which she saved, while Colby's goalkeeper managed to withstand a daunting 10 shots from Bowdoin.

McDonald achieved her eighth shutout of the season last Wednesday, when the Bears defeated the University of Maine, Farmington 1-0. Templeton assisted sophomore forward Marisa O'Neil's goal less than 10 minutes into the game.

But the Bears are not looking back. "We control our own destiny against Bates this weekend," said Templeton. "If we win, we will host NESCACs, and that is a huge goal of ours."

Bates holds the fourth-best NESCAC record, with 5 wins and 3 losses. "Our focus is now on preparing for Bates, which will be a tough game, but one that we must win," said senior co-captain Sarah Laverty.