Game Notes as a PDF

CLOSING UP THE REGULAR SEASON
The Southern Connecticut State University field hockey team rounds out the regular season this week with games against AIC and Merrimack. The Owls host AIC on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. before traveling to Merrimack on Saturday at noon. SCSU defeated both squads earlier in the season. The contests will be the final for the Owls prior to the Northeast-10 Tournament, which begins on Oct. 29.

LOCKING UP A NORTHEAST-10 SPOT
The Owls have officially secured a berth in the 2008 Northeast-10 Conference Tournament. The top six finishers in the regular season move on to participate in the event, which runs from Oct. 29-Nov. 2 at high seeds.

SENIOR SENDOFF
Prior to Wednesday's game with AIC, the Owls will recognize their four seniors - Molly Daniels, Grace Martha, Whitney Martin and Jennifer Sousa. The quartet has helped guide the Owls to 36 wins over the past four seasons.

STAYING PUT IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS
The Owls remain in the No. 8 spot in this week's National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll.

STONGA LEADS THREE WITH WEEKLY HONORS
Freshman Inga Stonga was named the Northeast-10 Freshman of the Week on Monday after scoring five points (two goals, one assist) in three games for the Owls last week. In addition, sophomore Ann Berry (eight points on the week) and senior Grace Martha (seven points) were also named to the weekly honor roll.

OWLS IN THE NCAA REGIONAL RANKINGS
The Owls moved up one spot to No. 3 in last week's NCAA North region rankings. The squad was No. 2 in the first poll of the year before dropping to No. 4 the following week. The rankings are used to determine NCAA participants from each region. The top three teams move on to compete in the NCAA Tournament. 

CARDIAC KIDS
Southern Connecticut has won its first three overtime decisions so far this year - each by 2-1 finals - as well as a win over Stonehill on Sept. 10 that was decided on a winning goal off a penalty corner after time had expired in regulation.

ZARRELLA NAMED NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore goalie Lauren Zarrella was named National Player of the Week by www.womensfieldhockey.com on Oct. 14 after leading the Owls to a pair of wins over nationally ranked teams. She stopped 18 of 20 shots in a pair of overtime triumphs over Stonehill and St. Michael's.

'PLAY 4 THE CURE' EVENT A ROUSING SUCCESS
The largest crowd of the year was on hand on Oct. 4 at Jess Dow Field as the field hockey team hosted its 'Play 4 The Cure' event. The team colored their hair pink after the contest and took care of business on the field with a 3-1 victory.

SCORING IN BUNCHES
The Owls rank second in the Northeast-10 in goals scored with 52 on the year.

OWLS EARN NATIONAL RANKING
Thanks to a pair of wins over nationally ranked St. Michael's and Stonehill squads, the Owls entered the national polls at No. 10 on Sept. 17. 

FINDING THE BACK OF THE NET
Offense hasn't been an issue for the Owls this season The team has scored at least two goals in 16 of its first 18 games, and has tallied at least five goals on four occasions - including a season-high six goal performance against Assumption on Oct. 14.

WINTERBOTTOM PROVING A NICE ADDITION
Sophomore Sara Winterbottom has been a steady contributor to the Owls' offensive cause this year. To date, she is tied for the team lead in goals with 11 and is tied for second in points with 24.

ON DECK
The Owls will take part in the Northeast-10 Tournament, which begins on Oct. 29.