University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hens Open 2012 Season this Weekend with Home Games vs. #14 Boston University, #19 Albany
8/22/2012 8:55:00 PM | Field Hockey
NEWARK, Del. -- The University of Delaware field hockey team opens its 2012 season this weekend when the Blue Hens host a pair of ranked non-conference opponents at Rullo Stadium.
Delaware kicks off its campaign on Friday with a 6 p.m. home game against Boston University, which is ranked No. 14 in the 2012 Penn Monto/NFHCA Preseason Poll. The Blue Hens remain home on Sunday, when UD hosts 19th-ranked University at Albany at 1 p.m.
Delaware, which posted a record of 9-11 and advanced to the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament a year ago during head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof's first season in Newark, was picked fifth in the CAA Preseason Coaches Poll announced last week.
The Blue Hens welcome back seven starters and the top three scorers from last year's squad, while 11 freshmen will also battle for playing time on a young UD squad.
Delaware will be paced by sophomore defender Kelsey McKee (at right), who led the Blue Hens with nine goals and 24 points during a 2011 season in which she was named second team All-CAA as well as to the league's All-Rookie Team.
Junior forward Kasey Prettyman, who was second on the team with six goals and 14 points a year ago, as well as senior forward Tory Sharpless, who tied Prettyman with six goals while finishing with 13 points, also return to lead a talented Blue Hen forward line.
Following this weekend's action, Delaware will take on Central Michigan on Aug. 31 and Michigan on Sept. 1, with both contests taking place in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Blue Hens then return to Newark to open a three-game homestand against Saint Joseph's on Sept. 5.
