A Possible First

MARY CORRIGAN wants to make it official. Last year, Corrigan's field hockey team became the first Ivy League representative to play at an AIAW national championship. This season, a round-robin schedule will determine an Ivy League field hockey champion for the first time. "We were the unofficial Ivy League champion last year," points out Corrigan, a native of Ireland who is now in her fifth year as a coach at Dartmouth. "Our biggest hope is to join ice hockey and football as Ivy League champions."

On paper, Corrigan appears to have a good chance of reaching her goal. She has nine returning letter-winners from the unbeaten 1978 squad that was tied five times in its 12 regular season outings. Only three players were lost through graduation, and Dartmouth has been ranked 14th in the nation in a pre-season poll. Plus the team has picked up a wealth of experience in regional and national competition. "The experience we got last year, especially at the nationals in Washington State, gave a lot of maturing to the team," explains Corrigan. "They're really in control of what is going on. It's really neat for me to see that."

Defensively, the team will be paced by Annabelle Brainard and Linda Jackson. The top goal scorers are Holly Burks and Ellen Remsen. "The 1979 season promises to be the most exciting ever," says Corrigan in assessing the team's 15-game schedule. "And we hope to have the distinction of becoming the first conference champion."