University of Delaware Field Hockey Freshman Kelsey McKee Tabbed CAA Co-Rookie of the Week
August 30, 2011
• RICHMOND, Va. -- The University of Delaware field hockey team opened its 2011 campaign with two victories last weekend due in large part of freshman Kelsey McKee, who was named Colonial Athletic Association Co-Rookie of the Week by the conference office on Monday.
McKee, a Gap, Pa. native, scored two goals to lead the Blue Hens past Bryant and Rutgers in her first collegiate field hockey action.
The freshman got the start in each contest on defense, but tallied a mark in each match, including the game winner against Rutgers on Monday.
In her first career game, McKee was called upon by head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof to convert on the team’s first penalty stroke of the year against Bryant. The rookie stepped up to the spot, and beat the goalkeeper high to the right to put the Blue Hens up 4-1 in the first half. Delaware went on to defeat the Bulldogs, 7-1.
McKee wasn’t done however, as she tallied the game winner on Monday in the team’s 4-2 victory over Rutgers. McKee set up at the top of the circle on one of the team’s three penalty corners in the first half. The striker approached as senior Kayla Schweitzer stick stopped a ball from Hannah Pepper. McKee roped a shot past the keeper, making the score 2-1 in the 33rd minute of action.
She is tied for first on the team with two goals for a total of four points. Her eight shots lead the team, and she has put six of those shots on frame for a .750 shots on goal percentage.
Her effort has helped the Blue Hens to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2007. That squad started the season 7-0.
McKee was named Co-Rookie of the Week along with VCU’s freshman forward Kendall Combs. Combs also recorded two goals, including the go-ahead score in VCU’s opening victory over Appalachian State.
Old Dominion’s senior forward Emma Batten was named the CAA Player of the Week after posting seven points (3 goals, 1 assist) in upset victories of NFHCA #8 Penn State and #10 American.
The Blue Hens return to Rullo Stadium this weekend as they take on preseason No. 15 ranked Duke on Saturday at 12 noon. They conclude the weekend home stand on Sunday with Villanova at 2 p.m.
AGATE:
Colonial Athletic Association Players of the Week
CAA Player of the Week: Emma Batten, Senior, Forward, Old Dominion
CAA Co-Rookies of the Week: Kendall Combs, Freshman, Forward, VCU; Kelsey McKee, Freshman, Defender, Delaware
