Bolles and the defense lead field hockey to a 2-1 victory

The UConn women’s field hockey team beat Penn State 2-1 on Friday to hold their undefeated record of 3-0 to the start off this season. The team has had early success thanks to its leaders, Marie Elena Bolles and the cut-throat defensive line.

Bolles opened the season with three goals, three assists, and 14 shots on goal, proving to be the main threat for opposing teams.

“I recruited her because she’s a 400-meter runner – she ran in the Penn Relays,” Head Coach Nancy Stevens said. “When Marie Elena takes off, when you get that kind of speed, I think you can outrun people. We rely a lot on the counterattack, and we can do that because we have Marie Elena.”

Bolles proves that athleticism is a key factor in the game; both her speed and skills on the field give her the upper hand against any competition. Last year alone, Bolles was the fourth highest scorer on the team and scored at least one point in 12 of the team’s opening 13 games. Without a doubt, this 2011 All-Big East First Team player will charge ahead and continue to dominate.

Without a strong defense, you have no offense. Clearly, the Huskies have the best of both worlds.

“We did start four seniors at back, so we had that level of experience and poise under pressure. Sarah [Mansfield] is a first-team All-American in goal as a junior, so you know that level of goalkeeping,” Stevens said.

The familiarity and knowledge on the field, along with Mansfield’s seven shut-outs last year and an overall record of 39-5 coming into the 2012 season, the defense is a brick house. It will be a battle for any team to get past the defense, let alone the goalie.

This fall season is looking bright for the field hockey team. Their fantastic start and consecutive wins are great ways for them to prepare for future games. With a loaded starting line-up and a secret weapon on offense, the UConn Huskies just might be the team every opponent wants to beat.