University of Massachusets Athletics
Field Hockey Adds Transfer Jill Powers For 2008
July 14, 2008 | Field Hockey
July 14, 2008
AMHERST, Mass. - UMass field hockey head coach Justine Sowry has announced that Jill Powers has transferred to UMass from Rhode Island and will join the Minutewomen for the 2008 season as a junior. A 5-2 forward, Powers led the Rams in scoring in both of her seasons in Kingston. She transfers to UMass following the elimination of the field hockey program at URI.
"I'm thrilled that Jill is joining the UMass field hockey team," Sowry said. "Not only that she is able to continue her field hockey career, but she will be a potent threat on our attacking line. Jill is a feisty, athletic competitor who will add punch to the forward line. I expect her to be an immediate contributor."
The defending Atlantic 10 champions stand to receive an offensive boost with Powers' arrival. In 2006, she tallied 16 points on seven goals and two assists to earn A-10 All-Rookie honors. Powers followed that up with another seven goal-two assist campaign in 2007 on her way to being named to the A-10 All-Conference second team. She has established herself as a clutch performer as well, totaling an impressive eight game-winning goals in her career.
A native of Leominster, Mass., Powers was a four-year starter at Leominster High for Coach Tricia Nicholson. She was named Midland Wachusett Division 1 All-Star in all for seasons. She also played basketball and softball in high school.
UMass is coming off a 14-win season in 2007 that saw the Minutewomen claim the program's 10th A-10 title and 20th NCAA Tournament appearance. They open the 2008 campaign with an exhibition at home versus Boston University on August 23 at 6 p.m. at Garber Field. The regular season kicks off on August 29 with a 7 p.m. contest at Boston College.
