Dallas and Rowell Become Two-Time Field Hockey All-Americans

KEENE, N.H., 11/25/08 - For the second year in a row Keene State’s Erin Dallas and Alyssa Rowell have been named All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).

Dallas, a junior midfielder from Marlow, N.H., becomes the first Owl player to earn first-team All-American twice, while Rowell, a senior back from Queensbury, N.Y., moves up from third-team last year to second-team honors this season.

“I was shocked when I found out about the honor,” said Dallas, who was a third-team womensfieldhockey.com All-American selection. “I really didn’t think I played as well this season. I felt I had an up-and-down year, but I’m happy about the honor and helping my team to a successful season.”

“There are so many deserving players, so it’s nice to receive the honor and move up to the second team,” said Rowell, also named a second-team womensfieldhockey.com All-American. “Offensive players get recognized for putting the ball in the net, but keeping the ball out of the net is just as important.”

“Having two All-Americans is great recognition for them as individuals and for the team,” said KSC Coach Amy Watson. “Both are richly deserving of the honor, and it’s a great way for Alyssa to complete her career.”

“Erin was on pace to have a better season until she was slowed down by a late- season injury. But Erin at 85% is better than most players,” she said.

“Alyssa has been a mainstay in our backfield and improved every season,” Watson said. “She was a diamond-in-the-rough player who will be hard to replace.”

Dallas, a first-team All-Region and All-Little East pick, led the Owls in scoring with 13 goals, 13 assists, and 39 points. Rowell, who earned LEC defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season as well as All-Region and All-LEC awards, topped the team with 13 defensive saves and was third in scoring with 11 goals, nine assists, and 31 points.

Dallas and Rowell join Heather Fiske, Kerrey Pilotte, and Kelly Smith as two- time All-Americans for the KSC Field Hockey team.

Finishing with an 18-6 (10-1 LEC) record, Keene State captured its fifth consecutive LEC championship and NCAA berth this season.