BSU FIELD HOCKEY RELIES ON MISKIV
By Lilly Devine
Comment Contributor
Life after Shelby Farland hasn’t been too bad on the Bridgewater State University field hockey team. With a major void needed to be filled with Farland’s absence due to graduation, senior forward Demi Miskiv has taken on the role as the team’s leading goal scorer.
Miskiv currently leads the Lady Bears with six goals and also has two assists, contributing to their 5-2 start.
“With [Miskiv] definitely being one of our leaders and she has a competitive drive about her where she really wants to win so it can spread to the rest of the team,” said Bridgewater State head coach Erika Smith. “I’m hoping she can spread that and get the team going.”
Miskiv transferred from Framingham State University in the spring of her sophomore year, where she played two seasons there and then came to Bridgewater State to finish out her career.
Miskiv has already been a big part of the Lady Bears’ offense, with 24 goals so far in her two seasons at Bridgewater State. On September 23 against Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Miskiv had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win.
Miskiv said her speed and passing make her effective against her opponent and that training in the offseason by running every day and lifting three times a week has given her an added advantage.
With no Farland this season, Miskiv is ready to step up along with the rest of the offense.
“We still have most of the team from last year and that helps a lot,” Miskiv said. “With Shelby being gone hurts a little bit, but I think we need to get used to it and keep passing and keep the ball moving up and I think we’ll be fine.”
Senior captain Carissa Vizakis has been on the team since Miskiv transferred to Bridgewater State and explains what it’s like to have her on the field.
“It’s always reassuring and I always have faith in her because I know she’s probably one of the strongest players on the field, just quick and aggressive,” Vizakis said.
Miskiv has fit right in with the team ever since she transferred and it shows on the field.
“She stepped up right away and it feels like she’s been here the whole time,” Vizakis said.
In just her second season as a Lady Bear, Miskiv’s teammates are looking for her to step up and have a successful senior season.
“Even more than what she’s doing right now, she’s going to keep excelling and she’s definitely going to be the leader offensively,” Vizakis said.
And Miskiv also has high expectations for herself in her final season.
“Break some scoring records,” Miskiv said. “To put my mark on the school for being here only for two years, I hope to make a name for myself.”
Miskiv and the rest of the Lady Bears will take on Fitchburg State University Saturday at 6 p.m.
Lilly Devine is a Comment Contributor. Editor-In-Chief Greg Dudek edited this story. Email him at gdudek@student.bridgew.edu.
