The Lancers look to rebuild with the signing of five true freshmen
June 2, 2008
FARMVILLE. Va. - Longwood University first-year field hockey coach Iain Byers has announced the signing of five student-athletes for the 2008 season. Joining the Lancers will be Alison Akers/Virginia Beach (First Colonial), Rachel Akers/Virginia Beach (First Colonial), Amanda Babineau/Stafford (Mountain View), Sarah Bietsch/Chambersburg, Pa. (Chambersburg Area), and Bailey Rampey/Fredericksburg (Courtland).
“The incoming freshmen will be expected to compete for starting roles as soon as they arrive,” said Byers. “It is always exciting to watch the competition for places develop during the pre-season period. With their athleticism and skill, I?expect them to be challenging the current team for their starting spots.”
Alison Akers (5-4, defender) was named to the 2008 Beach All-District First-Team, while ending her senior season on the All-Region Second-Team for First Colonial. Akers was also a member of the Under-16 National Futures Tournament for a couple of years. While at Longwood, Akers will major in graphic design.
Rachel Akers (5-4, defender) comes to Longwood after earning a spot on the 2008 Beach All-District First-Team during her senior season at First Colonial. Akers was also named team co-MVP along with twin sister Alison. Akers was a Junior Olympic Alternate, while also attending the field hockey national festival from 2003-07. She will major in biology.
Babineau (5-3, forward) is a four-year letterwinner at Mountain View High School where she earned All-Area First-Team, All-District, All-Region and All-State First-Team honors her senior season. She was a member of the East Coast Under-19 team that traveled to Germany to play as the youth version of the U.S. Field Hockey Team. Babineau will major in education.
Bietsch (5-2, midfielder) played for Chambersburg Area High School in Chambersburg, Pa., where she was a four-year letterwinner. During her senior season, she earned spots on the Public Opinion Second-Team, All-Star Team Honorable Mention and Mid?Penn Academic All-Star Team. Bietsch will major in graphic design.
Rampey (5-7, midfielder) joins the Lancers after competing for Courtland High School’s field hockey team for four years. While at Courtland, Rampey helped the team to Group AA/A State Championship in 2005. She will major in history.