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Brooks Field Hockey Preview

2006 record: 16-2-2, won New England Prep B title

Returning starters (5): Christy Donovan, Soph., forward; Olivia King, Soph., midfield, Georgetown; Paige Murray, Soph., back, Andover; Katie Herter, Sr., forward; Sam Post, Sr., defense

Returning lettermen: Sewell Robinson, Sr., defense; Carly Churchill, Soph., goalie

Newcomers: Kaleigh Fitzpatrick, Frosh., midfield; Samantha Burke, Frosh., defense; Sarah Freeman, Frosh., defense; Lilly Scott, Frosh., defense; Chapin Duke, Soph., midfield/forward

Candidates in all grades: 26

Captains: Katie Herter, Sam Post; Sewell Robinson (assistant)

Returning leaders: Katie Herter 10 goals, Olivia King 5 goals

Assistants: Gretchen Scharfe

Opener: at Cushing Sept. 19

Odds and ends: Last year's New England Prep B title was Brooks' third in a row. ... Sophomore Chapin Duke starred last year for Kent Denver, which won its fourth straight Colorado state title. She obviously had a change of heart because after the title game she told the Denver Post, "I just can't wait for the rest of my field hockey career at Kent Denver." ... Katie Herter tallied a hat trick in Brooks' 3-2 season-opening win over Cushing. ... Last year's goalie, Darby St. Claire-Darby, is playing lacrosse at Northwestern.

Coach Casey Hagerman-Bobo (2nd year, 16-2-2): "Speed is our biggest strength. I think we're very fast. My concern is that we're so young, with only three seniors and one junior. It'll be interesting to see how we jell. Katie Herter and Olivia King are very good players to build around. Of our new players, (freshman) Kaleigh Fitzpatrick, (freshman) Samantha Burke and Chapin Duke should make significant contributions. I look for Nobles and Middlesex to be our toughest opponents."