Dec. 14, 2007

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Rising seniors Steph Graf (Jamison, Pa./Central Bucks East) and Amanda Faust (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) will lead the Bucknell Field hockey team as captains for the 2008 season, head coach Heather Lewis recently announced. The two All-Patriot League performers were elected by team members and coaching staff.

This season, Graf started in all 17 games for the Bison and recorded two points with two assists. She also led the Bison with five defensive saves and was named second-team All-Patriot League for the third time in her career. Recently, Graf earned the Tracy Bass Award for Intensity, given at the annual team banquet, for the second-consecutive season. In her sophomore season, she was selected to the All-Mideast Region team.

In 2008, Graf will lead a defensive unit returning all starters from this year. In addition, she plays a critical role in the Bison attacking penalty corner unit as the team's primary stopper.

Amanda Faust

Faust was named first-team All-Patriot League for the second time in her career this season, marking her third all-league career honor. Also this season, she earned first-team All-Mideast Region honors, was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 4 and Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 24. Faust started in all 17 games for the Bison and led the team with 18 points (five goals, eight assists). Recently, she was honored with the Sally Keith Award for Character at the annual team banquet.

Next year, Faust will return as one of the top scoring and defensive threats in the league. She was Bucknell's leading scorer in 2007 and currently ranks second in the Bison record books for assists (24), fifth in season assists (8) and ninth in career points.

According to Coach Lewis, "In my 16 seasons I can honestly say that some of our finest team performances are in direct relation to the leadership of our team. I have no doubt that Amanda and Steph will be tremendous role models and exceptional leaders. Their performance on the field and respect for others off the field has garnered the admiration of not only their teammates and coaches, but also that of opposing coaches. I'm excited to get started in our preparation for next season. These two remarkably talented young women have set one goal - `the trophy' - they are determined to lead this team to the program's first-ever Patriot League title."