August 27, 2001

GENEVA, N.Y.–The 2000 season was another banner year for the William Smith field hockey team. After a season opening loss, the Herons rolled to a school record 20 consecutive wins. The 20th victory of the season, a 1-0 win over Springfield College, gave William Smith its third NCAA Championship in nine seasons (1992, 1997, 2000).

In 2001 the Herons must overcome the loss of several key starters to graduation. William Smith enters 2001 without its entire starting defense of Jessica Dascano, Amy Leckinger, and Sarah Irving. The trio was one of the nation's best defensive units in 2000, allowing only 22 goals in 21 games. Dascano was the Division III Player of the Year. The Herons also lost two of their three starters at forward in Lauren vonBereghy and Sage Lansing. vonBereghy finished her career with 101 points, only the sixth Heron to reach the 100-point plateau, while Lansing provided the team with leadership and clutch offense.

William Smith returns four of its top five scorers in an offense that outscored opponents by a 4-1 margin last season. Leading the way are senior Jackie Hall and junior Sheila McKevitt. Hall, a second-team All-American, was the Herons' leading scorer with 20 goals and seven assists for 47 points. McKevitt followed Hall in the scoring column with 17 goals and seven assists for 41 points, earning a spot on the Regional All-American second-team. Back after a season abroad is senior Carrie Cicciarelli. Cicciarelli will provide a veteran presence and make up for some lost offense.

The midfield is anchored by senior second-team All-American Nicky Livingston. Last season, she set the Heron single season record for assists with 15. Livingston was William Smith's third leading scorer with 33 points. Junior Erin Weir is another threat at midfield. She scored seven goals and recorded two assists for 16 points. Four of her seven goals were game-winners, including the decisive score in the NCAA Championship game. Juniors Amanda Arpé and Eryn Apanovitch will use their experience in utility roles to pick up the Herons wherever they are needed.

Defensively, William Smith is young, but not inexperienced. Junior Brigid Lynch will lead the Heron defense this season. The reliable defender played in all 21 games last season. Senior Katy Stevenson, junior Neeley Wakeman and sophomores Amy Slivonik and Lindsay Wickham will provide the Herons with depth in a crucial part of the lineup. The Herons are very strong in goal. Senior first-team All-American goalie Marjie MacVean started all 21 games for William Smith, posting a 20-1 record, a goals against average of 1.06, and a save percentage of .836. She blanked opponents eight times, with two shutouts coming in the NCAA Tournament. Backing up MacVean are sophomores Jessica Kulesa and Jessica Skovron who were impressive in limited time. Kulesa appeared in four games, making eight saves in 48 minutes without allowing a goal, and recording half a shutout. Skovron saw action in two games while recording one shutout.

The Herons begin their title defense at home against Messiah on Sept. 1, at 1 p.m. The Falcons were the only team to defeat William Smith last season. This Saturday's contest will be the first at the Heron's new home, the 2001 Artificial Turf Stadium.

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