Kain about to start collegiate field hockey career at UMass Lowell

    LOWELL, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts Lowell field hockey team, among UMass Lowell’s 16 teams entering NCAA Div. I this fall, welcomes seven newcomers to the roster for the 2013 season, head coach Shannon Hlebichuk announced. UMass Lowell’s Class of 2017 includes Libby Kain of Dexter.

Observer file photo

    PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL — Recent Dexter Regional High School graduate Libby Kain is a member of the 2013 field hockey team at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The freshman forward will help UMass Lowell make the transition from Div. II to Div. I this season.

    “We are very excited about this inaugural Div. I recruiting class,” said Hlebichuk, who will enter her 12th year. “We are anxious to get them on the field to have them combine their talents with the talents of our returning players. They are all well aware of our success in Div. II and are committed to maintaining that winning culture in Div. I.”
    A graduate of Dexter Regional High School, Kain was a three-time All-Penobscot Valley Conference forward, earning First Team honors as a junior and senior and Second Team status as a sophomore. She also played in the off-season in the Maine Majestix club system.
    “In terms of talent, strength and experience, we think the diversity of this class will certainly help us in our transition to Div. I and the America East Conference,” Hlebichuk said. “We have high expectations of them as we transition, and each of them are up for the challenge and excited for this turning point in our program.”
    Following exhibition matches at Holy Cross (Aug. 19) and at home against Colgate (Aug. 25), UMass Lowell opens the season at home on Monday, Sept. 2 against Northwestern University and plays its first America East Conference match Saturday, Sept. 28 at the University Maine. The field hockey team will be eligible for America East Conference and NCAA postseason play in 2015.