Field Hockey’s Melissa Gonzalez to Play For
U.S. U-21 National Team
Gonzalez to compete with U.S. squad March 12-16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina

STORRS, Conn. (February 22, 2008) – University of Connecticut field hockey freshman Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) has been named to the U.S. U-21 National Team that will play the Argentina U-21 National Team in a four-game series in Buenos Aires on March 12-16.

Gonzalez enjoyed a tremendous freshman year for Connecticut in 2007 as she started all 25 games in a season that saw the Huskies post a 22-3 overall mark, capture the BIG EAST Regular Season and Tournament titles and advance to the NCAA National Semifinals for the second consecutive season.

During her rookie campaign, Gonzalez totaled nine goals, including three game-winners, while adding four assists for a total of 22 points - which ranked fourth on the squad.

Gonzalez was named as a second team All-Mideast Region choice in addition to being selected to the All-BIG EAST second team.

During her high school career, Gonzalez guided Lakeland (N.Y.) High School to a four-year mark of 82-5-2 and a pair of state championships. The forward ended her career as Lakeland’s (N.Y.) all-time leader in goals, assists and points.

A consensus national All-America choice following both her junior and senior campaigns, Gonzalez capped off her prep career with a perfect 24-0 mark during her final season and guided the Hornets to its second New York State Championship.