Babson Field Hockey Earns First-Ever NCAA Tournament Bid
Beavers To Host Utica In First Round On Wednesday, November 9

BABSON PARK, Mass. -- Following a spectacular season that included an 18-5 record and a trip to the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament finals, the Babson College field hockey team has received an at-large bid to the 2005 NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. It is the first national berth in program history for the Beavers, who will host Utica College in the first round on Wednesday, November 9, at 4 p.m.

The NCAA Tournament bid comes on the heels of the greatest season in the 23-year history of Babson field hockey, as the Beavers tied the program record for wins (18) and winning percentage (.783) while setting a new school mark for goals in a season (82). Babson also claimed its first-ever NEWMAC regular season title, and is currently ranked 16th in the country by the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association (NFHCA) Division III poll — the squad’s highest ranking ever. The Beavers also advanced to the conference finals for just the third time in team history before falling to 10th-ranked Springfield, 2-1, in overtime.

Babson’s greatest strength this season has been its powerful offense, which was ranked fifth in Division III with 3.75 goals per game through October 31. Pacing the unit has been senior tri-captain Elise Conley (Shrewsbury, Mass.), the program’s all-time leader in goals (71), assists (33), and total points (175). In 23 games this season, Conley led all of Division III with 30 goals and 71 points while ranking in the nation’s top 20 with 11 assists. An NFHCA First Team All-American in 2004, Conley led the Beavers with nine game-winning goals this season, including the decisive score in the team’s first-ever victory over Springfield back on October 8.

Also enjoying magnificent offensive seasons have been junior Andrea Tufts (Wolfeboro, N.H.) and senior Gina Giardina (St. Louis, Mo.). Tufts currently ranks 11th in the country in goals (19) and 10th in points (44), while Giardina has contributed career-highs of 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points.

While the offense has provided plenty of firepower, Babson’s defense has also played brilliantly this fall. Led by senior tri-captain Katie Janson (Easton, Pa.) and junior standout Heather Dunbar (Hubbardston, Mass.), the Beavers have posted nine shutouts — one short of the team record — and have allowed just 1.12 goals per game. First-year goalie Elissa Slovin (Andover, Mass.) has enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign, recording five solo shutouts and an .829 save percentage while starting every game in net.

Also making its first NCAA Tournament appearance, Utica received a bid to this year’s national tourney after posting a season record of 12-4. The Pioneers also boast an outstanding offense that has produced 3.13 goals per game this fall. First-year Katie Kutas leads the squad with 11 goals for 22 points, while senior Shannon Rohacek has added 10 goals and four assists for 24 points.

Admission for Wednesday’s game will be $5 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, and $3 for students with valid IDs. The winner of that contest will travel to Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, where they will meet SUNY Cortland on Saturday, November 12 at a time to be determined.