Field hockey players midfielder Sarah Driscoll ’05 and defender Meredith Hudson ’05 were recognized for their strong senior campaigns Tuesday by being named to All-Region teams by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. The two players are the only members of the field hockey class of 2005 to start every game in their Yale careers.
Driscoll was named to the Mideast Region First Team after posting 12 points in 2004, second-most on the Bulldogs, on three goals and six assists. She was sixth in the Ivy League in assists this year and is Yale’s all-time leader with 42 over the past four seasons.
Two of her three goals came in the Elis’ final game against Brown Nov. 6 when she put up the tying score early in the second half and won the game in overtime with a dramatic diving reverse-sweep shot.
“It’s always exciting to see that you’ve been recognized,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been playing field hockey since my freshman year of high school and every day since then. It’s hard for it to be over, but it’s nice to know you ended the season successfully.”
By making the first team, Driscoll is now eligible to be named to the NFHCA All-America team, which will be announced Monday.
Hudson made the Mideast Region Second Team on the strength of an eight-point senior season, good for a third-place tie on the 2004 Eli squad. Hudson was the striker on the Bulldogs’ offensive penalty corner unit, a role that allowed her to tally three goals and two assists this fall.
While Hudson was happy with the recognition, she said that it was surprising.
“I always appreciate any kind of accolade I get,” Hudson said. “But it was completely unexpected. I didn’t think I scored as much as last year.”
The senior defender tallied nine goals in 2003, three times her total from this season. But this year, she also served as the anchor of an Eli defense that consistently shut down high-powered offenses all season.
The All-Region team announcements came just on the heels of the All-Ivy teams named a week earlier. Driscoll was a unanimous first team selection, after being named to the second team as a freshman and sophomore and given honorable mention distinction last year.
Hudson secured second-team All-Ivy honors after receiving honorable mention honors in each of the two previous seasons.
Joining Hudson on the second team is forward Buffy Topp ’05, the offensive leader of this year’s Elis. Topp was first on the Bulldogs in both points and goals this season with 22 and 11, respectively. She ranked second in the Ivy League in both total goals and goals per game.
Rounding out the Bulldog presence on the All-Ivy teams is midfielder Harriet Thayer ’08. Thayer, the only freshman to start all 17 games for the Elis, finished her rookie season with one goal and five assists for seven points, fifth on the Bulldogs this fall.
“Any time anyone on the team gets an award it’s a tribute to our program,” captain Chrissy Hall ’05 said. “I’m just so happy that so many members were able to get recognized this year.”