SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE CAROLINAS FULL RELEASE
HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University field hockey team was picked third in the 2019 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas preseason coaches' poll, announced by the league today (Monday, Aug. 26). Amelia Gajewski was named to the Preseason All-Conference First Team, while Alyssa Baronella-O'Toole and Kelly Mason were named to the Preseason All-Conference Honorable Mention Team.
Defending league champion Limestone topped the poll with five first-place votes and 41 points, while Queens (N.C.) took second with the remaining first-place vote and 37 points. Coker followed with 30 points, while Belmont Abbey was tabbed fourth with 26 points. Newberry (25 points), Converse (18 points) and Mount Olive (12 points) rounded out the poll.
Coker posted a record of 6-7 including a league mark of 5-5 in its first season since 1977. Kat Lind was named the league's Coach of the Year, while Gajewski, Baronella-O'Toole and Mason were all named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention Team.
Gajewski led the Cobras in goals (nine) and points (19) a season ago, while also contributing one assist on the season. Her goal total was tied for fourth in the conference, while her point total was sixth. The Collins, N.Y. native is the daughter of Steve and Ann Marie Gajewski, and is a psychology major.
Baronella-O'Toole was a major contributor in her first season at Coker, leading the team and finishing second in the conference in assists with six. She also scored two goals for a total of 10 points, which was third on the team. The Severn, Md. native is the daughter of Gary and Amy O'Toole, and is an elementary education major.
Mason was also a major offensive piece during last year's season, finishing second on the team in goals (six), assists (four) and points (16). Her goal total was tied for eighth in the league, while she tied for seventh in assists and also tied for eighth in points. The Canastota, N.Y. native is the daughter of James and Colleen Mason, and is a business major.
The Cobras open the 2019 campaign at home on Sept. 7 when they take on Newberry in South Atlantic Conference Carolinas action.