Anxiety about roommates, classes, friends and the ever popular freshman 15 are what rack the minds of most college freshmen. Adding in the factor of starting on a Division I field hockey team is not normally on the minds of most students, but it weighs heavily on two players.

Laura Cahill and Bethany Marvel are both freshmen defensive starters on a No. 8 Penn State women's field hockey team that lost three starting defenders to graduation. Though just freshmen, they have embraced their new roles and are quickly becoming two of the strongest defenders on the team.

"They both have good game sense. They are really open to learning and growing as defenders," Penn State women's field hockey coach Char Morett said.

"They listen to what you say and they go out there and try to execute it. They are hungry to learn."

From the day they decided to join the Nittany Lions, Cahill and Marvel added a lot of talent and presence to the team. Cahill is the younger sister of former co-captain and defender Sara Cahill. Laura was a four-year starter in high school and was named to the All-Beach district team as a junior and senior.

Marvel, a midfielder in high school, was a first team All-State selection her senior year and captured the title of Bucks County Courier-Times Player of the Year.

Both defenders, however, not only had experience on high school teams but also played on USA Field Hockey Futures teams. Playing on these teams with other elite players from around the country has given them an edge above the rest of the freshman class and smoothed their transition.

"It used to be a big gap because [the players] weren't used to playing on Astroturf," Morett said. "But now a lot of them are involved in a lot of different U.S. developmental programs so that they have that opportunity to not only play on turf but to play against some other top level athletes. So I think the step from high school to college has really lessened."

Their experience outside of high school is evident during games. Both Cahill and Marvel have acclimated to Penn State's AstroTurf field and the quick game play of Big Ten field hockey.

Marvel has started all 12 games this season for the Lions, meshing well with co-captain Carey Maser and sophomore Jen Long. Cahill, who filled in when senior Chase Bacon was out with an injury, has won the starting position and continues to improve. Having both of them in the backfield gives depth to the defense, allowing Bacon to come in whenever another defender is tired, Morett said.

These freshmen are part of a backfield that has only allowed an average of one goal per game this season. They have also attributed to goalie Jen Beaumont's six shutouts. Despite entering college with advanced skills, both players attribute most of their talent to what they've learned from Maser and Long.

"They are so disciplined on defense. They are constantly helping me and giving me advice," Cahill said. "They are both so aggressive and their skills are awesome."

An aggressive defense is what fuels the Lions success on the field. During games, the defenders are constantly pushing forward, working to keep the ball on the offensive end of the turf.

With Cahill and Marvel effectively taking over the holes left by last year's seniors and Long locking up the sweeper position, the Penn State defensive should be set for the next few years.

Both freshmen have humble attitudes and continue to work hard, knowing that there is always more to learn.

"To be a part of a program like Penn State and the history they've had and the success, it's really an honor," Marvel said.

"To start and to represent it, it is probably the biggest honor I've ever achieved."