The DeSales University women’s field hockey team is gearing up for an exciting season as they have been picked fourth in the MAC Freedom preseason coaches poll. The Bulldogs are coming off a solid 2023 season where they finished with a 9-9 overall record and a 6-1 record in the MAC Freedom conference, earning them the #2 seed in the regular season. They made it to the MAC Freedom championship game, falling to Stevens in a hard-fought battle.
One of the key factors contributing to the Bulldogs‘ success last season was the performance of their players who earned All-Conference honors. Senior Maddie Trocki was named the MAC Freedom Offensive Player of the Year and was also selected to the All-MAC First-Team. Trocki led the team and the MAC Freedom conference with an impressive 20 goals and 42 points, tying the single-season record for goals. Junior Morgan Benner, who also earned All-MAC First-Team honors, played a crucial role in solidifying the defense and contributing offensively with five goals and two assists.
Senior Delani Remp and junior Jordyne Stong, both All-MAC Second-Team honorees, were key players in the Bulldogs‘ attack last season. Stong finished second on the team in scoring with seven goals and added five assists, while Remp contributed six goals and led the MAC Freedom conference with eight assists. With these talented players returning to the team, the Bulldogs are poised for another successful season.
Head coach Cayla Andrews is leading the Bulldogs this season in her first year with the team. Andrews brings valuable experience from her time as the Graduate Assistant coach at FDU-Florham, where she helped the team secure a spot in the MAC Freedom postseason in 2022. Her leadership and coaching expertise will be instrumental in guiding the Bulldogs to victory this season.
The Bulldogs‘ 2024 season kicks off with two away games before they return home for their home opener against Ursinus College on September 11th. Fans can mark their calendars for the homecoming game on September 28th when the Bulldogs take on Widener University. The MAC Freedom schedule begins with a road game against Stevens on October 12th, setting the stage for an exciting conference competition.
In the MAC Freedom preseason coaches poll, Stevens was named the favorite to win the conference with all seven first-place votes and 49 points. Lebanon Valley was picked second, followed by Arcadia in third place. DeSales secured the fourth spot in the rankings, showcasing the team’s potential to make a strong impact in the upcoming season. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and a drive to succeed, the DeSales University women’s field hockey team is ready to take on the competition and make their mark in the MAC Freedom conference.