At college roundup: Ladino a standout at Stonehill

By Ed Collins
ecollins@s-t.com
September 26, 2009

Jackie Ladino has always enjoyed being a field hockey playmaker.

A senior forward at Stonehill College, where she also plays lacrosse in the spring, Ladino likes to make things happen when she has the ball, and this season she's developed more of a nose for the net.

"I've become a shooting threat," said Ladino, who hails from Dartmouth. "I love to pass the ball, but I've also been looking to generate more offense."

Ladino's approach has been a success. Despite missing two games with an ankle injury, she's scored seven goals and notched three assists for the Skyhawks, who are ranked sixth in the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Division II poll.

After dropping their first two games, including a 4-0 loss at defending national champion Bloomsburg University, the Skyhawks (8-2, 2-0 Northeast 10 Conference) have reeled off eight straight wins and are starting to hit their stride.

"Our passing has improved a lot, we have good team speed and our defense has been incredible," Ladino said. "We also have a good group of juniors and the seniors are looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after not making it the last two seasons."

The Skyhawks have been led on offense by senior forward Claire Hourihan, who leads the conference with 11 goals and an assist, and their defense has notched three shutouts.

"We have good balance on both sides of the ball," Ladino said. "We're good at finding ways to win, we work hard and we're always looking to get better. Field hockey is a team sport and we're at our best when we're working together as a unit."

Coach Shelly Morris, who's in her second season with the Skyhawks, said Ladino has been one of the team's most versatile players.

"Jackie is amazing. She's athletic, she has tremendous skills and she drives teams crazy," Morris said. "She can put the ball in the net and she creates a lot of scoring chances for her teammates. Teams always pay a lot of attention to her when she has the ball."

A neuroscience major who's considering graduate work, Ladino said Stonehill has been a perfect match for her in the classroom and on the field.

"Everything has clicked for me here. I'm getting a great education and I've been able to play two sports that I really enjoy," Ladino said. "I couldn't have picked a better school and I'm having the time of my life."