On the weekend of October 2, the cross country team competed in the Frostburg State Invitational and each member of the team ran their personal best. Several outstanding times were that of sophomore Carlos Pena, who finished with a time of 29:24 in the 8K and sophomore Neil Addesso, who finished closely behind with a time of 30:50. For the women, Jen Jelig and Jessica Scott cane in with times of 21:50 and 22:11, respectively. Pena remains a constant as the top runner for the men's team and has a legitimate chance to make the All-Conference team, which includes only the top four runners in the conference.

"I think [Pena] in definitely the spearhead of the program," said Puryear. On September 18, the Marlins traveled through a hurricane in order to compete against Greensboro College. Because of the hurricane, a few of the runners evacuated and missed the meet. However, Jelig, Scott, Addesso and Pena all placed in the top 15. On September 25 the Marlins competed at Roanoke College against all of the ODAC teams. The women finished fourth of the eight teams there, with Jelig, Lambeth and Scott finishing in the top 14. Pena once again lead the men, finishing tenth.

"We showed some other ODAC teams that we can be competitive even though we are a second year team," said Puryear. Tomorrow, October 9, the Marlins will travel to compete in the Virginia Division I and II College Championship Meet. "The season gets tougher for us each week," said Puryear. "This gives us the opportunity to run with the big dogs. If we can run with them, we can run with anybody." The Marlins next meet is the Virginia State Meet at Bridgewater College on October 9.

After nine games of play, the Lady Marlins Soccer Team has gained the respect and confidence needed to win the ODAC. "We are playing with a lot of enthusiasm right now," said freshman keeper Robin Beck. "Our defense has been our strong point so far this season." Statistically, the Marlins rank second in the conference in defense and are currently tied for fourth in the overall standings. In the following weeks the women will face higher seeded competition as they play Randolph Macon and Lynchburg. "If we can win these games, we should be more than prepared for the ODAC Tournament," said Beck.

Junior Janine Swanson has lead the Marlins in goal with a total of 5.5 shutouts and 26 saves. Swanson holds second place in the conference and has had an impressive low of only three goals scored against her. Offensively, Mary Smith has stepped up to guide the team, with five goals and two assists. Smith is also among the ODAC's top players. Smith has a strong supporting cast including Kim Fair, Candice Brownmiller and Melanie Braswell.

Dubbed as a defensive team, the Lady Marlins showed that they can also play as an offensive team, as they claimed victory over Chowan 8-0. Fair and Brownmiller each scored two goals. On October 2, the Marlins defeated Hollins University 1-0/ Braswell scored the goal with an assist by Fair. The Marlins currently stand at an impressive record of 7-2-1.

"What the hell is this sport about anyway?" said senior John Goode at the Salisbury State field hockey game on September 22. Unfortunately, this is the consensus of many Virginia Wesleyan field hockey fans. I was at that game with Goode, and heard many students complaining that they were confused about the rules. I have to admit, as a former high school field hockey player, the rules can be complicated to even the most dedicated fan. So I decided to do all the Marlin fans a favor and ask the experts, the field hockey girls themselves. This is the information that I collected. Thank you Kristy, Andrea, Danielle and my personal consultant Chet.

Basic Terms

There are some basic terms and rules that all players (and fans) must know before learning the fun fouls and penalties. The first term is "free hit." This is when a player hits a motionless ball into play. A free hit is rewarded to a team after the opposition creates a foul. The next term is "circle." This is the semi-circle 16 yards out that surrounds the area around the goal. The goalie must stay within this circle. In addition, a goal will only be valid if it is shot from within this area. A 16 yard hit also happens on the circle line. So, first and foremost, know where the circle is. It is very important. Now I will explain the exciting stuff, the fouls and penalties.

Obstruction

Obstruction is a term used when a player turns her back to the ball the prevent the opposing player from reaching it. So, when our player puts her body between the attacking player and the ball, the official will call a free hit got the other team. This is true unless the foul occurs within the circle, but we will get to that later.

Advancing

Another foul is advancing. This happens when field hockey players confuse their role with that of a soccer super star. A player's foot cannot touch the ball if it is used towards their advantage. If it is an accident then the play can continue. When advancing is called by the referee, the other team gets, you guessed it, yet another free hit. A foul can even occur when a free hit is being taken. All other players must be at least five yards away from the player taking the free hit. If the free hit is in any way dangerous, it is no good. The ball cannot go above a certain height. In most cases, this height is the ladies' kneecaps. In addition, danger and intent can influence what justifies too high. Unless the shot is intended as a "scoop" (a type of shot that is made with the head of the stick in an upward "scooping" motion). A scoop can only be made if there is no person in the ball's intended path. If there is another field hockey player in the way, another free hit. Now you understand why this game is so stop-and-go?

Third Man

"Third man" is another foul. This simply means two people on the same tam playing the ball at the same time. When an offensive player who is not directly involved interferes with the current play, the ref will blow her whistle and next, another free hit. Any form of dangerous sticking will result in more hits. So, no Tiger-Woods-back-swings here. And no intentional bruising of the other team's limbs. That is a definite no-no.

Penalty Corner

There is a catch, if a foul occurs in the circle by the offense, then the defense gets a 16 yard hit, similar to soccer. If the defense is responsible for a foul within the circle then there is a penalty corner. Penalty corner is a three-part hit that can be used as a strategic scoring tactic. One girl will hit from the corner of the field to her teammates that are lined on the outside of the circle. The ball is then stopped by another teammate, to be set up for a shot on goal. The ball must be completely stopped before the shot can be made, and the defense cannot attack until the offense takes their shot. But what if the goalie does something wrong? The goalie cannot sit on te ball for any length of time. If this happens, then the offensive team gets a penalty stroke. This is similar to a penalty kick in soccer. A girl will have a free shot on goal in a one-on-one with the goalie.

Shout-outs

In case you did not know, all goals are only worth one point and there is overtime for ties. If Danielle Brewer yells "time" or "carry" she is indicating that her teammate with the ball has time to advance for a better position on goal. If Andrea Provost yells, "Man on," this informs the girl with the ball that there is opposition advancing. If Kristy Reed yells "Shot" then the lady with the ball needs to take her opportunity to shoot for the goal.

And many of our Lady Marlins named their plays. You will hear them shouting them out to each other during plays. Some of them are very interesting. Captain Andrea Provost in formed that "this game is 75% mental and 25% physical." So, word to the wise, get your wits up. You will need them. Danielle Brewer added, "communication is the game. It is as big a part as any team member." It is not like the fan support is non-existent. Field hockey games are exciting, fast paced, and even better when you understand the rules. Attend a couple of matches and judge for yourself. I guarantee you will hear my roommate and I on the sidelines screaming. Join us, now that you have the inside scoop from field hockey 101. (Next game is Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.)