University of Delaware Athletics
Hens Picked Fourth In CAA Preseason Poll
8/12/2013 7:09:00 PM | Field Hockey
RICHMOND, Va. – Just a few days away from reporting to campus for the 2013 campaign, the University of Delaware field hockey team was predicted to finish fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced by the league office Monday afternoon.
Delaware, which advanced to the CAA Tournament Semifinals last year and finished fifth in the league standings, picked up 21 points to be slated fourth for the 2013 season.
The defending CAA Champion, Drexel Dragons, received five first-place votes and 34 points to earn the top spot in the poll. Northeastern, which had been the CAA runner-up for the past two seasons, earned the other two first-place votes and was second with 31 points while James Madison totaled 26 points for third place.
Following Delaware in the rankings were William and Mary (fifth/18 points), Hofstra (sixth/11 points) and Towson (seventh/six points).
The Blue Hens welcome back eight starters for the upcoming season, including All-CAA selections Kelsey McKee (at top right) and Michaela Patzner. The duo led the team in scoring with 11 and seven goals apiece, respectively. Additionally, returners Toni Popinko and Kasey Prettyman added a total of 22 points for UD.
Delaware opens the season on the road as the Hens travel to Boston University to take on Ohio (Sept. 1) and the Terriers (Sept. 2) before hosting Central Michigan and Lafayette for the Blue Hen Invitational September 6-8 at Rullo Stadium.
The CAA is known as one of the nation's best field hockey conferences, having placed multiple teams in the 16-team NCAA Field Hockey Championship in four of the past six seasons.
2013 CAA FIELD HOCKEY PRESEASON COACHES POLL
|
1. Drexel |
34 (5 first-place votes) |
|
2. Northeastern |
31 (2 first-place votes) |
|
3. James Madison |
26 |
|
4. Delaware |
21 |
|
5. William & Mary |
18 |
|
6. Hofstra |
11 |
|
7. Towson |
6 |
