SPRINGFIELD -- The 2010 edition of the Field Hockey Bears begin their season Saturday, Aug. 28, when the Lindenwood Lions visit Plaster Field for a 12 p.m. start. It will be the 13th season-opener for head coach Dawn Callahan as she tries to lead her squad to the top half of the Mid-American Conference.
"We are very excited to open the 2010 season," Callahan said. "We have a great group of young ladies. They have been working hard the last couple weeks, and we are looking forward to starting at home."
The Bears return 13 letterwinners and seven starters, including goalkeeper Steph Anderson (So., Pittsburgh, Pa.), midfielders Jennifer Portell (Sr., Edwardsville, Ill.) and Sarah Cusick (Jr., San Diego, Calif.), and defensive specialists Lori Sinclair (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) and Reiann Stoute (Jr., Bridgetown, Barbados). But it is the newcomers that could make the difference, which Callahan says may be her most talented group yet.
"We are excited about our incoming class," Callahan said. "It is a very athletic group. The key to our success this year will be how quickly they make the transition from high school to college hockey, or international to American style."
Saturday will be the first of nine home games for the Bears, the most in the Callahan era. The Bears look to continue their dominance against the Lions. MSU holds a 6-1 advantage in the all-time series after winning the teams' last meeting in 2008, 8-0.
