The 2009 Moravian College field hockey team looks to move forward with the progression the team has posted over the last few years with eight returning starters and 15 returning letterwinners back for the 2009 season under the direction of head coach Amy Endler. The Greyhounds are also looking forward to challenge for a Landmark Conference playoff berth.

Leading the Greyhounds will be senior forwards Kayla Carson (Leesport, PA/Wyomissing HS) and Julie Bisci (Phillipsburg, NJ/Phillipsburg HS), who were both named to the 2008 Landmark All-Conference Field Hockey Second Team, Carson, pictured at right, and Bisci each had five goals and four assists for a total of 14 points. Junior forward Vita Ranella (Clarks Green, PA/Abington Heights HS) put five goals in the back of the cage to go along with two assists for a total of 12 points while junior forward Becky Renaldo (Allentown, PA/Allentown Central Catholic HS) had four goals and two assists for a total of 10 points.

Senior forward Jillian Pagliei (Ivyland, PA/Council Rock North HS) contributed three goals and two assists for eight points while senior forward Damara Varney (Allentown, PA/Allentown Central Catholic HS) had one goal and two assists for four points last season. Junior forward Maureen Helfers (Westbury, NY/W.T. Clarke HS) had one goal and one assist for three points while senior midfielder Samantha Bell (Sparta, NJ/Pope John XXIII HS) had one assist.

Bisci had four defensive saves to lead the Greyhounds a year ago. Senior defender Stephanie Dellaquilla (Woodbury, NJ/West Deptford HS), who was also named to the 2008 Landmark All-Conference Field Hockey Second Team, contributed two defensive saves for Moravian. Senior defender Patty Eck (Catasauqua, PA/Catasauqua HS) also had one defensive save on the year.

Time in goal was split between junior Maura Acox (Old Bridge, NJ/St. John Vianney HS) and senior Aliina Ross (Paoli, PA/Conestoga HS). Acox, pictured at left, played 1,229 minutes and had a 2.11 goals against average, 122 saves and two shutouts in her second season. Ross played 127 minutes, had a 1.10 goals against average and 12 saves.

Also expecting to contribute this season will be junior defenders Alexandra Lopez (Manasquan, NJ/Manasquan HS) and Lizzette Arias (Arlington, VA/Wakefield HS), and sophomore forward Sarah Keenhold (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth HS).

Coach Endler has a talented recruiting class coming into the 2009 season and looks for them to contribute for the Greyhounds immediately.

Moravian made its first overseas trip in August to Bermuda for preseason training and international competition. The squad begins its 2009 season on Tuesday, September 1st with a non-conference home match versus DeSales University at Betty Prince Field beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Greyhounds will open the 2009 Landmark Conference season on Saturday, September 28th at Drew University.