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Dennis, Saucier, Beaver named All-State
November 16, 2006
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Sophie Dennis |
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Liz Saucier |
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Skylar Beaver |
GENEVA, N.Y.—The William Smith College field hockey team saw three of its standout players named to the 2006 New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) Field Hockey All-State first team. Seniors Sophie Dennis (Dana L. West/Port Byron, N.Y.) and Liz Saucier (Old Town/Old Town, Maine), and junior Skylar Beaver (Williamsville North/Williamsville, N.Y.) were all honored by NYSWCAA after leading the Herons to their 22nd consecutive winning season, and a trip to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Tournament.
A two-time NFHCA All-American and Liberty League Player of the Year, Dennis holds the William Smith career records for goals (89), assists (39), and points (217), and points in a season (70). She ranks in the top 10 in Division III field hockey history for career points, and ranksthird in the country this season in points per game (3.18), sixth in goals per game (1.27), and 12th in assists per game (0.64). Dennis was named the Liberty League Offensive Player of the Week six times, was named the RACA Female Athlete of the Week twice, and earned a spot on the NFHCA Senior All-Star Team.
A two-year starter, Beaver earned NFHCA first team All-Region accolades this year, after being awarded second-team honors last year. Beaver, a sweeper, anchored a solid Heron defense that allowed just 8.32 shots per game, lowest in the league, and ranked second in the league in goals against average (1.26) and shots on goal allowed per game (3.45). She ranked third in the conference in defensive saves (3), and collected All-Liberty League second-team honors. Beaver led William Smith to a conference-best 0.71 goals against average, as the team allowed just five goals in league play.
Saucier led the league in assists with 17, breaking the William Smith record for assists in a season, previously set by Nikki Livingston ’01 (15). A two-time All-Region selection, Saucier ranked third in the league and second on the team in points (33). She is a three-time All-Liberty League pick.
On Nov. 17-18, William Smith College will play host to the NCAA Field Hockey Championship. In the semifinal round on Friday, Ursinus will play Lebanon Valley at 11 a.m., followed by Messiah taking on Bowdoin at 2 p.m. On Saturday, Dennis will represent the Herons in the Senior All-Star Game at 9:30 a.m., with the Championship game to follow at 1 p.m.