By Kate Joseph
Staff Writer

Following a shutout 8-0 win over Mount Ida on Saturday, three Sharks on the Simmons College field hockey team were named Great Northeast Athletic Conference athletes of the week.

Freshman Julie Saltamartini was honored as GNAC’s Field Hockey Rookie of the Week for the second week in a row.

Saltamartini scored twice to gain four points for the Sharks during their weekend match against Mount Ida.
The freshman is among  several new names on the roster this year.

“The team is looking very strong for the 2014 season,” said Coach Amanda Maxwell. “We are returning 10 of the 11 starters from last season and have 10 new faces into the mix, bringing the roster to 25. We are very young but we have a lot of talent to work with.”

Next GNAC recognized Sophomore Brianna Rastello as Goalkeeper of the Week. In this weekend’s action the goalie did not allow a single goal in 124:58 of gameplay. The shutout was Rastello’s second of the season, making her the only goalkeeper in the conference with that accomplishment this season, and third overall of her career.

Rastello was also recognized as Goalkeeper of the Week by GNAC earlier in the season during the week of August 25-31.

Senior Captain Kelly Williamson was also honored as the GNAC Field Hockey Player of the Week.
Williamson, who ranks second in the conference, has garnered 10 points and four goals, along with two assists.

“Being in a new conference this season there are high expectations set for the team,” said Williamson.

“Coming off of a great past season, our motivation is even higher to push ourselves for the GNAC title. I’m confident we can come out on top with a team where every player has so much to offer.”

Field Hockey returns Saturday, Sept. 20, at noon to face Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass.