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The University of Maine field hockey team managed a nine game winning streak before losing to America East Conference rival Boston University on Oct. 12. The Black Bears bounced back with a win over nationally ranked Northeastern University last Sunday at Morse Field.
Despite having their ups and downs over the past few weeks, there is one factor that UMaine hasn’t been able to control-a lack of conference games. UMaine currently boast a 12-2 record, but they are only 1-1 in the America East play and currently ranked third in the conference.
The Black Bears look to add to their America East win column as they hit the road for a pair of conference games against the University of Albany and the University of Vermont this weekend.
UMaine will take on the Great Danes of Albany in N.Y on Friday. Albany has yet to win a conference game. With a record of 5-9, the Great Danes have fared well at home, winning four out of five games at Albany Field.
Albany has struggled defensively this season, surrendering 43 goals in 14 games. Friday’s contest will be no easier for the Great Danes, as UMaine’s offense has scored 37 goals this season. UMaine is ranked third for total offense in the conference behind Northeastern University and the University of New Hampshire.
Albany’s goalkeeper, sophomore Megan Akstin, has been the primary goalkeeper for the Great Danes. Akstin has played in 13 games this season and was a starter last season.
Recently, Albany head coach Deborah Fiore changed the usual starting lineup by adding freshman goalkeeper Michelle De Cuffa for the past two games. De Cuffa, who is far less experienced than Akstin, has only played in five games this season. Her best performances to date was a shutout in her first collegiate start against Colgate and an 18-save effort in her second start, a loss to Cornell University.
For these breakout performances, De Cuffa was named America East rookie of the week for Oct. 22. She shares the America East spotlight with University of Maine senior, Tara Bedard, who was named America East player of the week for the second time this season.
Bedard, who scored the game-winning goal against Northeastern on Sunday, is one of UMaine’s top offensive threats to the goalkeeping tandem of De Cuffa and Akstin. Despite a deceiving record of 4-8, Akstin ranks among the top three goalkeepers in save percentage. She is ranked behind familiar faces Emily Roy of Northeastern, and UMaine’s Jaye Lance, who leads the league with a .875 save percentage.
Offensively, both teams have several players atop the America East leaderboard in points. Albany’s Lisa Burine ranks at the No. 12 spot, with 14 points. She leads her team with six goals this season. Rounding out the top twenty is Allison Mann with 12 points, good for 14th place in the conference.
The University of Maine, on the other hand, includes Tara Bedard in second place with 28 points. Kristy Ferran is ranked ninth, with 15 points on the season with seven goals and one assist.
The America East matchup between Albany and UMaine should prove challenging for the Black Bears, as Albany’s defense has stepped up of late. Another matchup that should be interesting is the game between the University of Maine and the University of Vermont on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The Catamounts, ranked fifth in the America East, have recently snapped a four game losing streak. Like the Black Bears, Vermont is looking to climb in the America East standings.
Bangor Daily News