Oct. 9, 2012

DUBLIN - UMass field hockey assistant coach Shannon Taylor and former goalkeeper Alesha Widdall secured silver medals with the U.S. National Team after faltering in the Champions Challenge finale against Australia.

Taylor, a veteran with over 75 caps for the national side, finished competition in Ireland with a trio of goals for Team USA as one of the main cogs in an offensive unit that outscored its opposition, 16-7 entering the final contest. Named to the U.S. National Team in 2010, Taylor has now played a role in international competition at the 2011 Pan American Games and 2012 London Olympics in addition to a pair of appearances at the most recent Champions Challenges.

Widdall, a newcomer to Team USA, earned her first international competition appearance during play in Ireland and saw time in net throughout the tournament.

Taylor and Widdall will rejoin the Minutewomen as assistant and volunteer assistant coaches shortly as UMass closed non-conference play against No. 1 Syracuse and continue A-10 action vs. Saint Louis.