Season Review: Sea Gulls celebrate milestone and senior class
SALISBURY, Md. – History couldn't repeat itself for a fourth year in a row for the Salisbury University field hockey team. The Sea Gulls lost their bid for a fourth consecutive NCAA Division III National Championship with a 2-1 overtime loss in the second round to Christopher Newport at Lebanon Valley College. Ironically, it was at LVC's campus where the SU title run began in 2003.

The year held numerous bright spots and memorable moments for SU as it won 17 games, a 12th straight Capital Athletic Conference championship, a win over the No. 1 team in the nation and a great coaching milestone.

"We had an excellent season despite all the pressure. I was pleased that we were able to bring things back together after faltering," said Salisbury coach Dawn Chamberlin, who won her 300th career game at SU on November 1.

The three-game losing streak in the middle of the season had the Sea Gulls in unfamiliar territory. But, after a 1-0 loss to Capital Athletic Conference rival Catholic, Salisbury reeled off eight straight wins and claimed the conference title.

"The lull brought our team closer together. We really focused on what needed changed," said Chamberlin. "We were outplaying [opponents] but not finishing. It might have taken three games to learn but we dug deep and improved."

Some of the biggest improvements came from the freshman class. Two of the top five Salisbury scorers were freshmen. Lauren Correll finished with 19 goals and nine assists, and Beverly Beladino tallied eight goals and four assists as she earned a spot in the starting lineup halfway through the year. Michelle Rowe and Caitlyn Ruffus were two more big contributors in a talented freshman class that will keep improving for the years to come.

The Sea Gulls will have to say good-bye to an irreplaceable senior class. Tracey Lloyd, Megan Powell, Abby Rowe and Lynette Sgrignoli were members of three NCAA national championship teams. Lloyd was a three-time All-American honoree and a second-team selection in 2006. Powell (26 goals and 11 assists) garnered first-team All-American honors along with junior midfielder Danielle Twilley. Rowe and Sgrignoli were integral parts of Salisbury’s 80-6 record over the past four years.

Despite the loss of those outstanding players, the future is still promising for Salisbury.

"We have some really good local players that will be part of the team next season," said Chamberlin.

Twilley and goalie Maria Ramoundos take over the reigns as senior leaders in 2007. SU will regroup and reload with some new players to return to their championship form.

"I think we will be right up there in the top group [of elite teams] contending for another championship," said Chamberlin.

Game of the Year: While Chamberlin's 300th win may have been the most memorable moment, the game of the year took place Homecoming weekend on October 14. The College of New Jersey, undefeated and ranked No. 1 at the time, was handled by the Sea Gulls. Powell had a hat trick and the defense allowed only five shots as Salisbury beat its old rival 4-1.

Play of the Year: The play of the year was actually a group of plays in the second half of the contest between Salisbury and Mary Washington on October 21. The Sea Gulls scored nine goals on 16 shots in the second half, many of which were spectacular goals. Abby Rowe scored four goals and Beladino connected on two goals including a beautiful deflection goal off a pin-point free hit assist from Twilley.