Oct. 18, 2010
On Wednesday, October 20, the UMass Lowell field hockey team will take to the field against Northeast-10 foe American International. The 3rd-ranked River Hawks have ripped through the competition so far this season, putting up 68 goals while only allowing two.
But on Wednesday, star forward Sammy Macy will square off with an opponent who did not appear on the calendar at the beginning of the season.
Following the game, the senior sniper will participate in a shootout with ice hockey defenseman Maury Edwards. The two will get together on the field hockey turf to determine who has the hardest shot.
The event, which will benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation, will allow each shooter three tries and the hardest single shot will determine the winner. Fans can be a part of the action by voting for their favorite. Fans can purchase raffle tickets for either shooter and if your pick wins the shootout, you could win awesome prizes including signed memorabilia, hockey tickets, River Hawk apparel and more!
Macy, a true sniper, is the all-time leading scorer in UMass Lowell history and brings a plethora of accolades to the meeting. A 2008 and 2009 All-American, Macy was named Player of the Year in the NE-10 last season while leading the River Hawks to the brink of an NCAA title. This year, the senior has picked up where she left off, amassing Player of the Week honors on a pair of occasions while ranking first in the league with 17 goals and 10 assists.
"We know what happens," said head coach Shannon Hlebichuk. "If another team ever lets her get to the top of the circle, it's a bomb. Everybody duck for cover."
While Macy may have the skill and technique to take the crown, Edwards has the talent to get the job done. The star blue-liner earned All-American status in 2009 and currently serves as an assistant captain for the River Hawks. Edwards was a first-team All Hockey East selection as a sophomore and is known around the league for his lethal shot.
"Maury Edwards can probably shoot the puck harder than any human alive," said Vermont head coach Kevin Sneddon.
Whatever the outcome of the showdown, both student-athletes are happy to help a great cause.
The field hockey match begins at 7:00 against AIC with the shootout to follow directly after the conclusion of play.
