Bloomsburg University Field Hockey Climbs to Number Two

BLOOMSBURG— The Bloomsburg University field hockey team is ranked second in the latest STX/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFCHA) Division II Poll.

Bloomsburg (8-1, 5-1 PSAC) has won three straight, including a key 3-2 victory over PSAC rival Shippensburg on Saturday. Tara Bourke's (Hopatcong, NJ/Pope John XXIII) overtime goal propelled the Huskies to yet another victory. The Huskies also picked up a shutout victory over Mansfield on Wednesday. Bloomsburg was able to move up in the rankings due to Indiana (Pa.)'s 1-0 loss to Kutztown.

The Huskies are led by current PSAC player of the week Jamie Vanartsdalen (Huntington Valley/Lower Moreland). Vanartsdalen leads the PSAC in points with 49 and goals with 20, an average of over two goals a game. Samantha Kropa (Tunkhannock/Lackawanna Trail) and Ashley Heckard (Millerstown/Greenwood) have provided additional offense on the front line, as they have 16 goals between them. Allison Ziants (Winfield/Selinsgrove) has been solid in goal for the Huskies with a 1.19 goals against average and 33 saves.

Bloomsburg faces their stiffest test of the season this week, as they host undefeated and top-ranked Kutztown Tuesday at 6 p.m.

2007 STX/NFCHA Division II Poll