University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Field Hockey Earns No. 5 Spot in Colonial Athletic Association Pre-Season Coaches Poll
8/17/2012 8:58:00 PM | Field Hockey
RICHMOND, Va. -- The University of Delaware field hockey team, just a week a way from embarking on its second season under head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof, has earned a No. 5 ranking in the Colonial Athletic Association Pre-Season Coaches Poll announced by the league office Friday.
Delaware, which posted a record of 9-11 and advanced to the CAA Tournament a year ago, earned 27 points to finish in the No. 5 spot, just one point behind James Madison.
Two-time defending champion Old Dominion was the pre-season favorite, earning six of the eight first place votes and 48 points overall. Northeastern and Drexel were tied for second place with 40 points each with Northeastern gaining the other two first place votes. James Madison was fourth followed by Delaware, Hofstra, William & Mary, and Towson.
Delaware will open the season next Friday, Aug. 24, when the Hens host Boston University at 6 p.m. at Rullo Stadium. Two days later, the Hens will host Albany for a 1 p.m. start on Aug. 26. Both opponents are strong contenders for the America East title.
The Blue Hens will welcome back seven starters and the top three scorers - sophomore All-CAA defender Kelsey McKee (nine goals), junior forward Kasey Prettyman (six goals), and senior forward Tory Sharpless (six goals) - from last year's squad. A talented group of exciting newcomers are also added to the mix.
Season tickets are on sale now for just $30 for adults and just $20 for youths 17 and under and seniors 60 and older. Call 302-831-2257 or visit the UD Season Ticket Office in its new home at the Bob Carpenter Center to purchase tickets and get in on all the fun that the upcoming season has to offer.
Old Dominion went 22-3 a year ago when the Lady Monarchs enjoyed a No. 1 weekly national ranking, captured the CAA Tournament title, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Northeastern also advanced to the NCAA Tournament a year ago as an at-large selection.
The top six teams in the regular season standings will advance to the CAA Tournament during the first week of November at the site of the regular season champion.
The CAA has placed multiple teams in the 16-team NCAA Field Hockey Championship in three of the past five seasons. Delaware captured league crowns in both 2004 and 2009.
AGATE:
2012 Colonial Athletic Association Field Hockey Pre-Season Coaches Poll: 1. Old Dominion - 48 points (6 first place votes); 2. Northeastern - 40, Drexel - 40; 4. James Madison - 28; 5. Delaware - 27; 6. Hofstra - 20; 7. William & Mary - 14; 8. Towson - 7.
