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Field hockey in the America East Conference is undergoing rapid changes with the transfer of former conference members Hofstra, Drexel, Delaware and Towson.
These teams have moved to the Colonial Athletic Association, leaving the University of Maine field hockey team with a different look to its conference.
The team has also witnessed another change this season, the sudden offensive firepower of senior forward Tara Bedard.
Bedard was recently named America East Player of the Week for her efforts in leading the Black Bears to a 5-1 start.
So far, the Skowhegan native has tallied six goals and five assists this season for a total of 17 points. Her point total has already surpassed her total of 13 last season. These numbers place Bedard atop the America East standings in both goals and assists and are a crucial reason for the team’s early success.
When asked if she has been tracking her scoring, Bedard said it was not until recently that she was even aware that she led the America East.
“In my mind I keep track of my own numbers, but not compared to others,” Bedard said. “I didn’t even know I was in first place.”
One of the keys to Bedard’s offensive prowess is her attitude. In the past, Bedard said she felt like she was always more of a passer than a scorer.
Both are equally important, but Bedard’s coaches have encouraged her to shoot more this year and so far, the advice has worked.
Head coach Terry Kix feels that another key quality in Bedard’s success is her work ethic, which has boosted her confidence.
“Tara really prepared herself for this season. She worked out a lot this summer and this season is really important to both Tara and the rest of the seniors,” Kix said.
While confidence has been an element in Bedard’s success, she and Kix also feel quality play will help the Black Bears contend for an America East Championship.
The Black Bears have won their last five games after dropping the season opener. These games have all been nonconference games, and the Black Bears will not play another America East opponent until they visit Boston University on Oct. 12. Kix feels the fast start has helped to propel the team.
“We wanted to play some nonconference games to get some experience. The win streak has really boosted our confidence,” Kix said.
Senior leadership also has aided in the Black Bears’ success. The team returns five seniors, all veteran players who have used their experience and leadership skills to the team’s advantage. Bedard feels her senior status is an added incentive for winning an America East Championship.
“Now that I’m the oldest, it’s my turn to lead the team. Winning an America East Championship is one of our major goals,” Bedard said. “We were so close last year, so this year we want to win it all.”
UMaine will only play in five conference games this season, with three away games at Boston University, Albany and Vermont. The Black Bears also will play Northeastern and New Hampshire at home.
With their conference schedule reduced to five games, the America East schedule is seemingly different and the Black Bears must play well to get back to the playoffs.
UMaine will be tested when they play at Hofstra on Sept. 28 and Quinnipiac on Sept. 29. Both are nonconference matches. Until then, however, they will be keeping busy with an exhibition game against the University of New Brunswick on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m at Morse Field.
