The Red Hawks, under the leadership of new Head Coach Bridget LaNoir, are seeking to improve upon a record-breaking season last year that saw them reach the state quarterfinals.
LaNoir says that the team has a lot to work on, but she expects to do well this year.
"We’re looking forward to bettering our record from last year," she said. In 2000, Rensselaer went 11-6, an improvement of eight wins over the previous season and a school record. They reached the New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association quarterfinals before losing to St. Lawrence by a score of 3-2.
A number of factors point to continued success for the team. RPI has 12 returning players this year, including captain Marie Grieco and assistant captains Jenn Amyot and Katie Coleman, who will help bring continuity to the team through the coaching change.
LaNoir expects defense to be the team’s strong suit, led by starting backs Tatiana Russell and Coleman. Behind them are two strong freshmen—Elisa Prange and Sandra Harya. In fact, LaNoir is pleased with the new class as a whole, saying, "All of our freshmen are coming in with a great deal of skill."
The Red Hawks’ schedule also works in their favor. They have only one game on grass this year, which is an advantage because their home field is turf. In addition, seven of their first nine games will be at home, making it easier for the team to build momentum early in the season.
Rensselaer’s first opponent will be Oneonta State—the game will be Friday at 3 pm on Ned Harkness Field. The Red Hawks defeated the Red Dragons in a recent scrimmage, so the team knows they can start the season off with a win.
LaNoir brings a different coaching style to the team than her predecessor Beth Hallenbeck, who left to take the position of head field hockey coach at nearby Skidmore College. LaNoir says that she tries to focus on explanation, motivating the players by telling them why she has them work on certain drills and how those drills will directly affect their performance during games.
However, the most important thing, according to LaNoir, is to try to get the players to "take every game and play like we need to win it in order to make the postseason." With that mentality, the Red Hawks should perform very well indeed.
