The competition to be the starting goaltender for the Massachusetts field hockey team has taken an interesting turn. Both Becky Letourneau and Sarah Williams have started two of the team's four games this season. The Minutewomen are 3-1 behind the outstanding play of both goaltenders. All three of those wins are shutouts. Coach Justine Sowry has yet to pick the starter.
"I made my mind up that I was going to alternate and see who came through being able to handle the pressure and just showing leadership," Sowry said. "To a great surprise, both are performing above expectations and it's been a huge reason why we've been so successful to date and we'll continue to alternate because in the long run it makes us stronger."
Both goaltenders have made a strong case in their two starts. Letourneau started the season opener at Syracuse and at home against Rutgers. Against the Scarlet Knights she posted the team's second shutout of the year by saving two-of-four shots on goal.
At Syracuse she had four saves on nine shots, and the only blemish was the overtime goal that gave the Orange the win. Through four games she has a razor-thin goals-against-average of 0.49 percent.
Her counterpart, Williams, has also done well in her two starts. In UMass's win against Harvard, she had eight saves on 12 shots and added the third shutout of the season for the Minutewomen.
In the home opener against Sacred Heart, she was not tested too much because there was only one shot and she didn't have to make the save. Williams hasn't allowed a goal in 140 minutes of playing time.
Coincidentally, in the two games that each has started, they have seen 13 shots each.
Sowry speaks highly of both goaltenders and feels that having the pair split time will benefit the team throughout the course of the season. She feels that Letourneau has a bit more leadership because she's a senior and has been with the team longer.
One thing that stands out to Sowry is her technical skills. She thinks that Letourneau is very sound and savvy in the net. Sowry describes Williams' style as more conservative, which allows her to consistently be in the right place at the right time. Sowry feels that Williams, a sophomore, is still learning the game but can always improve by working on her skills.
Sowry said that not only would she continue to alternate starters - she would also alternate in game as well. One of Letourneau's strengths is her ability to defend the penalty stroke; even if Williams gets the start, Letourneau will get subbed in solely to defend.
This is the team's best start since 2000, and the dual threat of Letourneau and Williams in the net is a major factor.
Justin McGrail can be reached at jwmcgrai@student.umass.edu.
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