Goalkeeping, Midfield Play to Lead Scots in 2024

One of NCAA Div. III's winningest field hockey programs is under new leadership this fall, as Lauren Voigt takes the reins of the program. Wooster's close-knit team gives Voigt a lot of excitement about the potential of the Fighting Scots in 2024.

"I think this is going to be a fun, exciting season," shared Voigt. "We definitely have a small group in terms of numbers, but our team works really well together. I want to meet this group's potential and be a positive influence to help the team be comfortable being themselves so they can do their best on the field and in the classroom."

Wooster's defense was its strength last year, as the Scots finished in the top-10 nationally in shutout percentage (62) and goals-against average (0.68). Voigt's looking to continue the Scots' run of being strong on defense but is "putting a focus on shooting, getting into the circle, and having a strong presence in front of the cage," on the offensive end in the preseason.

Junior Cate Barkdoll, a first-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference goalkeeper, headlines the defense. Barkdoll helped Wooster to its highest shutout count since 2006 last fall. Sophomore Nono Kaufman is Wooster's other goalie and did not allow a goal as a first-year.

"Our goalies compete hard," summed up Voigt. "Cate obviously had a lot of success last season. Hopefully with our defense this season, we can make things easier on our goalkeepers. My goal is for our goalies to compete with each other and push each other. Every game it is up to them who is going to earn the starting spot."

Midfield is one of Wooster's areas of strength. That position is anchored by juniors Lizzie Hardy and Natalie Katzenmeyer, who are the team's top returning goal scorers. The overall athleticism of Wooster's midfield gives the Scots plenty of speed, and Voigt is looking to capitalize on that by "working on stepping up and pressuring the ball early" and "trying to defend more outside our circle."

"Our midfielders work nonstop and really want to get better, improve their skills, and increase their field hockey knowledge," said Voigt. "Lizzie and Natalie have been great leaders for our team. They really are there to advocate for their teammates, hold them accountable, and push them."

Sophomore Allie Toombs rounds out the returnees whose primary position is midfield.

Ashley Reynolds is the team's lone senior and leads the defense. Reynolds is someone Voigt notes "her leadership she brings is very important to the team and the overall success."

Voigt's looked to other areas to bolster Wooster's defense with sophomore Brooke Benjamin moving to the position from goalkeeper and classmate Melinda Lazenby sliding back from forward. After contributing in a multitude of spots, junior Joey Beckerman projects to have a more defense-focused role this year.

Junior Coco Rodríguez and sophomores Naledi Jani and Audrey McKenna lead the forwards. Voigt has been impressed with the overall unit's determination.

First-year Frankie Zehnal is the team's newcomer this year and projects to play either a forward or midfield role.

"Frankie has shown a lot in practices," shared Voigt. "Hopefully Frankie can come in and be a contributor right away."

Wooster's season starts with a 6 p.m. non-conference road game at Kenyon College on Friday, August 30. Wooster's home for the first time on Sunday, September 1 for a noon clash with Sweet Briar College.