Flash Points:

• Freshmen Kelli Connolly (Laurel Springs, N.J./Camden Catholic) and Jill Barry (Middletown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) will be highlighted.
• Saint Francis takes on Saint Louis University on Sunday.

 
LORETTO, Pa. – In this week's edition of the Field Hockey Notebook, freshmen Kelli Connolly (Laurel Springs, N.J./Camden Catholic) and Jill Barry (Middletown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) will be highlighted.
 
Barry is studying Physical Therapy at Saint Francis. Although only a freshman, Barry has her sights set on opening her own practice. A Hersey, PA, native, she plans to return back home upon graduation.  
 
Connolly is currently undecided on her major at Saint Francis, but is most interested in the Health Sciences.
 
Barry has suffered through two ACL surgeries since her sophomore year of high school However, Barry did not let her injuries deter her; they actually helped her stay motivated.
 
"It was sad, but it was also really motivating. I learned a lot about what it means to work hard," she said.
 
Connolly earned her first career start against Missouri State on August 28. A day later she would go on to score her first collegiate goal and finished with two goals on the day. Watching and talking to the upperclassmen has allowed her to build throughout the season. 
 
"I have always tried to work hard, but it is definitely because of the girls around me." she said. "I would not have gotten there if it was not for them."
 
Freshman entering college and Division I athletics face a big learning curve. What are the biggest take-a-ways for these two as they near the end of their freshman season of field hockey?
 
Barry's response focused on encouragement. Her Saint Francis team supports one another through the good plays and the bad, which Barry learned is a great way for a team to be.
 
"Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses on the field, so it is nice to always have someone to encourage you," said Barry.
 
For Connolly, it is that "every rep really does count."
 
"Every single drill we do at practice is a game-like situation. So when we miss-hit a ball or do not receive cleanly or mess up, this should motivate us to do better than the next rep because these reps are what make us better players and help us win games."
 
Saint Francis travels to Missouri to face Saint Louis University on Sunday.