Jaksina collects assist, North Squad falls 3-1

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (November 16, 2011) – Senior back Beth Haight (Hamlin, N.Y.), senior midfielder Kim Jaksina (Townsend, N.H.) and senior forward Tia Levins (Manchester, Maine) of the Franklin Pierce University field hockey team all participated in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association North/South Senior Game, hosted by Bloomsburg on Saturday afternoon.

The trio joined fellow seniors from around the Northeast-10 Conference on the North Squad for the All-Star Game against the South Squad. When all was said and done, the South Squad picked up a 3-1 victory, but Franklin Pierce Head Coach Meighan Guiney, who was selected to coach the North Squad, was pleased with what her seniors contributed to the team.

"It was so much fun to watch them interact in a friendly atmosphere with the Conference opponents they battled with all season long," said Guiney. "As a coach, I also took pride in the fact that our seniors were well-known as competitors throughout the players and coaches of both regions."

Guiney also spoke about her experience coaching the North Squad. "It was a great experience coaching the girls from the Northeast-10," she said. "After having to coach against all of them over the last four years, it was an honor to be able to work with them and be a part of their final collegiate game."

An All-America Second Team selection, an All-Northeast-10 First Team selection, Franklin Pierce's all-time leader in defensive saves (8) and one of four players in school history to tally 20 career goals, Jaksina factored in on the lone goal of the afternoon for the North Squad with an assist. Off a second-half penalty corner, the ball came to the top of the circle to Jaksina, who wound and fired a shot towards the cage. Though the shot may have found its way in on its own, Adelphi senior forward Jeanette Heimerle tipped it in to make sure, giving Jaksina the helper.

"I felt honored to be picked to play in the North/South Senior Game," said Jaksina after the group returned to Rindge. "It was cool to finally meet girls I have been playing against for four years and talk to them about our experiences as student-athletes. I was also glad to have Tia and Beth there with me; we have all been close since freshman year, and it was great to share the experience with them."

An All-Northeast-10 Conference Second Team selection as one of just four backs to earn All-Northeast-10 honors in 2011, and arguably the best back in program history, Haight anchored a Ravens backline which finished third in the Northeast-10 in fewest shots on goal allowed per game (7.84). She earned Northeast-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors three times during the season, more than any other player.

"It was an honor to represent both Franklin Pierce University and our field hockey program at the North/South Senior Game over the weekend," said Haight. "It was an amazing experience to play with a great group of girls who share the same passion and dedication to the sport. Plus, it was fun to see coach in a different light away from our own team. Overall, it was just great to end my field hockey career with such an honor and a fun game."

An All-Northeast-10 First Team selection, Levins finished third in the Northeast-10 in goals (17) and sixth in both points (36) and shots on goal (45). She also tied for the Conference lead in game-winning goals (6). In 2011, Levins established new Franklin Pierce records for career goals (34), career points (73), single-season goals (17) and single-season points (36).

"The North/South Senior Game was an amazing experience and the weekend in Pennsylvania was one of the best I've had," said Levins.

All three student-athletes are part of a seven-player Franklin Pierce senior class which posted more victories in their career than any other class in program history. The group earned three postseason berths in its four years with the program and is the first class to accomplish that feat.

It is the second straight season the Ravens have sent multiple players to the North/South Senior Game, as Jordan Baillargeon '11 and Kayla Simeone '11 participated last season. The trio becomes the eighth, ninth and 10th selections to the contest in program history.

Franklin Pierce finished the season 10-9 (7-3 Northeast-10) and in third place in the Northeast-10, the highest finish in program annals. It is the second time the team has finished above .500 overall, joining an 11-7 campaign in 2000. By winning percentage, the 7-3 (.700) Northeast-10 record trails only 2000's record of 7-2 (.778).

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics).