Four Field Hockey Student-Athletes Earn All-ISA Conference Honors
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Nov. 22, 2013)- Four members of the Mercy College field hockey team have earned All-Conference honors by the Independent Schools Alliance (ISA). Senior Nicole Bencsik (Telford, Pa. / Souderton Area) was named First Team All-Conference and senior Kristen Znaniecki (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. / Comsewogue), junior Danielle Jones (Shrewsbury, Mass. / Shrewsbury) and freshman Jaclyn Ballin (Cupertino, Calif. / Cupertino) were all named to the Second Team.
The ISA consists of Division II field hockey programs that are not affiliated with an existing conference. The other ISA members are Bellarmine University, Dowling College, Limestone College, Lindenwood University and Newberry College.
Bencsik finished the season with four goals and one assist, which totaled nine points. She ranked third on the team in both points and goals, including two game-winners against Dowling on Oct. 26 and Franklin Pierce Universtiy on Oct. 31. Bencsik was named ISA Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 8.
Znaniecki logged over 1,200 minutes in the cage for the Mavericks. She recorded 158 saves for a .742 save percentage and posted three shutouts. Znaniecki was named ISA Defensive Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 24 and finished second in the ISA in minutes played and third in save percentage.
Ballin had a stellar freshman campaign for the Mavericks. She finished with six goals and three assists, which totaled 15 points. She tied for first on the team in goals scored and second in points and assists. Ballin recorded one game-winner against Ramapo College on Oct. 9. Ballin was named ISA Offensive and Rookie of the Week for the week of Oct. 15. Ballin and Carly Brengosz of Lindenwood University were the only two players in the ISA to accomplish that feat.
Jones was one of the main catalysts on defense for Mercy this season. She finished with three goals for a total of six points. Jones was 3-3 on penalty stroke shots and finished tied for first with senior Lindsay Wunsch (Copiague, N.Y. / Copiague) in defensive saves, with three.
Head Coach Kayte Kinsley finished the 2013 season with five wins, and will be looking to improve for a fourth straight season in the 2014 campaign. The Mavericks return a solid core of youth and talent which will continue to raise the young program.
