Lizzie Barminski Named Landmark Rookie of the Year

TOWSON, Md. — After recording the most points for a Goucher freshman since 2001, Lizzie Barminski (Ventura, Calif./Buena) became the first Gopher ever to earn Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year recognition in field hockey.

Barminski totaled five goals and eight assists in her debut season. The 18 points is the most for a freshman since Molly Miller in 2001, while no Gopher of any class has recorded that many assists since Becca Grinold had nine back in 1996.

"Lizzie had a great season, not just for a freshman but for a player in any year," head coach Megan Williams said. "She played with a lot of poise, which can be hard to find among freshmen because they're acclimating both to the college game and college life in general. She had an amazing number of assists, and she was someone who just stayed really consistent throughout the season."

Barminski's eight assists tied for fourth overall in the conference. She scored goals in all four of the Gophers' victories this season, and she also added a conference marker against Susquehanna on Oct. 26. The last Goucher player to earn postseason recognition was defender Katie Gallagher, who earned second-team all-conference accolades in 2011.

"Her award is a recognition of the contribution that our underclassmen made this season as a whole," Williams continued. "This program is turning a new leaf, and it's been a total team effort."

Goucher scored 10 more goals this season compared to the 2012 campaign, and the Gopher defense also allowed 23 fewer goals in 2013.

In other awards, Drew's Brooke Gagliano was named the Landmark Player of the Year after a 16-goal, 11-assist season. Emma Dahmus from Juniata was recognized as the Offensive Player of the Year, while Felicia Cappabianca from Drew was honored as the Coach of the Year.