Dec. 1, 2008

WASHINGTON - Senior field hockey midfielder Jesika Pufnock began to warm up for her final collegiate field hockey experience. Though she'd stepped on to the turf and gone through the routine many times before, this time was acutely different. Instead of mentally preparing herself to play against the likes of Michelle Simpson of Albany or Alex Malatesta of Richmond, she was about to take the field with them as teammates, representing the North in the NFHCA Senior North/South All-Star Game. They had spent the last four years competing against each other and creating intense rivalries, but on this day they had one thing in common. The seniors chosen to play on a very cold day in Louisville, Ky. on Nov. 22 had the recent, bitter memory of their careers ending, most in the NCAA Tournament, some in conference championships and a few even before that. On this day, they shared a common goal: to go out on top.

"It was pretty strange to warm up with players I had always played against but neat to see what they did to get ready for a game," said Pufnock. "You could tell everyone was a little apprehensive to get on the field and warm up, but we decided we wanted to end our college career on a win since we were all there because our teams had lost earlier in the season. It was a great feeling to play that night and end my college career on a high note."

Pufnock had to acclimate quickly to an unfamiliar supporting cast in addition to playing out of position. The natural midfielder was moved to defense and had little time to react. While some would be apprehensive or even discouraged by the move, Pufnock embraced the chance as a learning experience.

"Playing a different position was really eye-opening," she explained "Our coaches and Jason Riddell (AU strength and conditioning coach) have always said we needed to `get comfortable with being uncomfortable.' Going into the game, I was only anticipating playing and showcasing my strengths as a player. To my surprise, I had to try to focus my attention on improving my defensive weaknesses and falling back on the fundamentals I had learned from my coaches back at AU. I'm so grateful for that experience and for the opportunity to grow as a player in my last college game."

Growth wasn't all she took from the game, Pufnock was credited with a game-winning assist off of a penalty corner to lead her team to a 3-1 victory over the South and fulfill the goal of a team separated by allegiances, yet united by a game. Pufnock doesn't know what the future holds for her in terms of playing, but she will always have the memory of winning her final collegiate game.

"One of the best parts of the senior all-star game is the opportunity to share your love of the game with people who are normally rivals," AU head coach Steve Jennings said. "The melting away of these barriers builds new bridges and reinforces how incredibly close knit the community of our sport is. We are extremely proud that Jes was recognized for her outstanding abilities as a player and that she was our ambassador for AU field hockey."