Eastern’s Barry, Osisek choose Iowa, James Madison

Eastern juniors Alana Barry and Julia Osisek have made commitments to continue their field hockey careers at Division I programs.

Barry became the fifth Eastern player to commit to Iowa in the last three years, and Osisek committed to James Madison.

Osisek was a top defender for an Eastern team that went 27-1 last season and won its 12th consecutive state Group 4 title. Her decision to attend James Madison was special to Eastern coach Danyle Heilig, a James Madison graduate.

"I look forward to her senior year, but I know she's going to blossom as a 'Duke Dog,' " Heilig said.

Barry is one of the state's top goalies. She had 20 shutouts last season and has 58 for her career.

"Alana got an opportunity this season to demonstrate to the state of New Jersey what an outstanding goalie she is, not just a good goalie with an outstanding team in front of her," Heilig said.

At Iowa, Barry likely will join Eastern graduates Geena Lesiak and Kelsey Mitchell as well as current Eastern seniors Cori Allen and Brittany Evangelisti, who have committed to attend Iowa next year.

Looking ahead to the fall of 2012, when five Eastern players could be on the Hawkeyes' roster, Heilig said, "Needless to say, I'll be taking a trip to Iowa that season."