Kean field hockey looks to keep the success going

Kean Field Hockey looks to keep their early-season success going. As the all-time leader in points and goals-scored, Krista LaMaina (center) attributes a lot of her success to her team. The cougars look as if they are carrying last season’s momentum into this one. Credit: Larry Levanti

By Craig Epstein | Published Sept. 27, 2017

Coming off of a year where they finished with a program-best 18-4 record, the Kean University field hockey team looks to keep the ball rolling. Not only did they jump out to a 8-0 record, but they have reached various milestones along the way as well. Whether it’s head coach Leslie LaFronz reaching her 100th win or senior forward Krista LaMaina setting the record for both points and goals scored, it looks as if the Cougars have picked up right where they left off.

Coming up just short in last year’s Eastern College Athletic Conference Final to Muhlenberg College, the Cougars are looking to claw their way back and finish the job. And with seven of their first eight wins coming by the way of shutout, they are proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Coach LaFronz credits reaching 100 wins to both her team and to Kean’s support system.“I am just grateful to be able to work with such amazing young student-athletes every day,” said LaFronz. “We have such a great support system here at Kean so any accomplishment is shared with the people around us.”

Krista LaMaina’s 2016 season saw her earn both a New Jersey Athletic Conference and ECAC First-Team selection, as well as National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association All-Region Second-Team and ECAC All-Tournament Team. Not only that, but she also led her team in points (57), goals (24), and game-winning goals (7). And with setting the record for both points and goals scored only eight games into the season, LaMaina has ample opportunity to leave her mark in a big way in regards to her collegiate field hockey career.

“These milestones mean a lot to me, especially because I was able to accomplish them due to my amazing team,” said LaMaina. “I wouldn’t have been able to reach these goals without the help of my team and especially my sister.”

The Oaklyn, NJ native went into greater detail as to why she attributes a lot of her success to her sister.

“My sister has assisted almost all of my goals and if it weren’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Coming into the year, the Cougars were selected fourth and received one first-place vote in the 2017 NJAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Just recently, they moved into the NFHCA Coaches’ Top 20 Poll. Although they are coming off of a highly successful season and look to be carrying the momentum into this one as well, the Kean University field hockey team are taking absolutely nothing for granted.

“Going forward, my team and I are looking to have as successful a season as last year,” said LaMaina. “The team is definitely going to be making a statement this year.”

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