Rockport, Mass. native named team captain of South squad

RINDGE, N.H. (November 22, 2005) – Franklin Pierce senior Laura Blanchard (Rockport, Mass./Rockport) participated in the 2005 Division II NFHCA Field Hockey North/South Senior All-Star Game this past weekend at the University of Louisville, the site for the NCAA Division I Field Hockey Final Four.

Blanchard, a four year letter-winner for Franklin Pierce, was named team captain of the South squad during the All-Star match. She started both halves for the South squad and registered numerous shots on net.

“It’s a different world down there,” said Blanchard. “To have the opportunity to participate in the All-Star game and to watch the Division I finals was just amazing.”

This season, Blanchard played 17 games for Franklin Pierce, starting 16. She ranked among team leaders as she has posted 19 shots (2nd), three goals (2nd), and seven total points (3rd) this season.

On her career, Blanchard has played in 64 games, starting 46. She currently ranks among all time career-leaders with 13 goals scored (3rd), 29 total points (5th), 44 shots on goal (5th), and 64 games played (6th).

A three-year starter for Coach Judy Heddy (Neville’s Cross College), Blanchard ranks among single season leaders at the college with six goals scored (7th), and 13 total points (7th) during her 2003 season.

“Laura has been a significant factor of our team for the past four years,” said Coach Heddy. “It was a great honor to watch her participate in the All-Star game and to see her named captain.”

The Franklin Pierce Field Hockey team ended its season with an overall record of 7-12, 5-11 in the Northeast-10 Conference.