WALTHAM, Mass. – Graduate student Sam Simione (Cheshire, Conn./Cheshire HS) and a pair of seniors, Erin McCool (Amherst, N.H./Souhegan HS) and Christine Murray (Westwood/Walpole HS), will serve as captains of the 2021 Bentley University field hockey team, head coach Jessica Spencer announced. All three captains are outstanding students and impact players for the Falcons.

Simione, who was also a co-captain during the cancelled 2020 season, is the most experienced of the Falcons with 53 games and 39 starts to her credit. The midfielder/back has eight goals and eight assists, also with seven defensive saves. As a junior in 2019, she earned third-team All-Northeast-10 honors and was third on the team in scoring with five goals and 14 points.

"Sam is a proven leader on and off the field," praised Spencer. "We are thrilled to have her back for a fifth year leading in the middle of the field. Her ability to defend and score goals makes her a special player."

McCool started the Falcons' final 10 games on the back line in 2019 and was credited with two defensive saves while playing in 18 of 19 contests.

"Erin has elevated her game in the last two years," commented Spencer. "Her leadership in the backfield and ability to connect with her teammates sets her apart."

Murray, a forward/midfielder, came off the bench 33 times during her first two seasons and has recorded one goal and one assist as a Falcon.

"Christine has an outstanding work ethic," said Spencer. "She will make a big impact on the front line with her speed, skill and high field hockey IQ."

After having the 2020-21 season limited to a few spring scrimmages, Bentley will return to play Sept. 3 with a home game against Bloomsburg.