FIELD HOCKEY NOTEBOOK
 
Fresh off an unbeaten weekend and its first conference victory of the season, the Vermont field hockey returns home for a busy weekend against a pair of teams from California.
 
On Friday the Cats take on UC Davis (5-5, 1-2) before the California Golden Bears (6-3, 2-0) make their way to Burlington on Sunday. Friday's contest gets underway at 2 p.m. and Sunday's matinee begins at 12 p.m. Friday is the Cats' America East Spread Respect game.
 
RELATED LINKS
UC DAVIS COVERAGE: AmericaEast.TV | Live Stats
CAL COVERAGE: AmericaEast.TV | Live Stats

AMERICA EAST SPREAD RESPECT GAME
Friday is the Catamounts America East Spread Respect Game. America East's Spread Respect initiative raises awareness to ensure equality and safety for all student-athletes, coaches and fans without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
 
LAST WEEK
Vermont knocked off #22 Monmouth last Friday, 2-0 – it's third shutout of the season and first victory over a ranked opponent since 2018. Alina Gerke and Clodagh Ferry each scored in the victory. That duo was at it again on Sunday each finding a goal in a 2-1 win over Wagner to close the weekend. UVM is 3-0 this season when both score goals.  
 
WEEKLY HONORS
Sierra Espeland and Alina Gerke were both honored by the America East with weekly awards for their performances last weekend. Espeland picked up her third shutout the season and stopped nine of the ten shots she faced to be named Defensive Player of the Week. Gerke's two goals – both game-winners – netted her Rookie of the Week honors.
 
LEADING THE WAY
Senior midfielder Clodagh Ferry leads the conference in shots on goal firing 31 on cage this season. Her eight goals rank second in the league. Puck Kwaspen and Kate Hall both have eight assists which is best in the conference. Sierra Espeland is tied for the league lead in shutouts with three, ranks second in save percentage (.744) and third with a 1.68 goals against average.
 
SCOUTING THE AGGIES
UC Davis comes into the weekend fresh off a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Stanford. During late September the Aggies ventured east, took UMass Lowell to double overtime and then picked up a win over New Hampshire. Madison Theodore leads the team with five goals and ranks first in the league with total 40 shots this season. Kalli Wagnon has played all but 15 minutes this season in cage for the Aggies and has a 2.46 goals against average.
 
SCOUTING THE GOLDEN BEARS
Cal is off to a 2-0 start in league play and takes on Maine Friday before coming to Burlington for Sunday's matchup. The Golden Bears have allowed the third fewest goals in the league this season in part because of goalkeeper Cato Knipping who boasts a 1.36 goals against average. Anne Van Hood leads the team with five goals and Rachel Buttinger has four to highlight Cal's top scorers.
 
SERIES HISTORIES
Friday marks the fifth all-time meeting with UC Davis and the Cats hold a 3-1 lead in that series. Last season, UVM beat the Aggies in dramatic fashion scoring the game-winner with less than a minute to play in a 4-3 win in Lowell, Mass. It will be just the fourth meeting between the Golden Bears and the Catamounts with Cal holding a narrow 2-1 edge. Cal defeated UVM 1-0 last spring in Burlington.

ORDER YOUR EXCLUSIVE VERMONT FIELD HOCKEY GEAR BEFORE OCTOBER 11
Through Monday October 11 fans have an exclusive opportunity to purchase Nike UVM field hockey gear directly from UVM's apparel supplier BSN Sports. Customize gear with your favorite players number. Order today at https://www.bsnteamsports.com/shop/FHUVM21. Orders will be fulfilled within 10 weeks.