The Fitchburg State field hockey team has been picked fourth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Preseason Coaches Poll. This ranking places them behind Worcester State, Westfield State, and Framingham State, with Bridgewater State and Salem State rounding out the poll. Despite being picked fourth, the Falcons are looking to improve upon their 4-13 record from last season and make a strong showing in the upcoming 2024 campaign.
Worcester State, the defending MASCAC regular season and postseason champions, received four of six possible first-place votes to claim the top spot in the poll with 24 points. Westfield State followed closely behind in second place with 22 points, earning the two remaining first-place nods. Framingham State secured third place with 17 points, while Fitchburg State landed in the fourth slot with 11 points. The competition in the MASCAC is fierce, and each team will be vying for a chance to claim the conference title.
Conference play in field hockey will consist of each team meeting twice during the regular season, with the first interleague contests scheduled for Sept. 20-21. The MASCAC tournament is set to begin on Nov. 5, culminating in the championship game on Nov. 9, hosted by the highest remaining seed. This format ensures that every game is crucial for teams looking to secure a spot in the postseason and compete for the conference title.
Fitchburg State will kick off their 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 with a road game against Colby Sawyer at 1 p.m. The Falcons will be looking to start the season strong and build momentum as they aim to climb the ranks in the MASCAC standings. With a mix of returning players and newcomers, Fitchburg State will be working hard to improve upon their performance from last season and make a statement in the conference.
In a separate preseason poll, the Keene State College field hockey team was picked to finish second in the Little East Conference in 2024. The Owls received 29 points and one first-place vote in the poll, trailing behind defending LEC champion Southern Maine. Keene State returns an experienced team, including standout forward Irini Stefanakos, who had an impressive 17 goals, 11 assists, and 45 points last season.
Keene State has a rich history in the LEC, with 14 tournament titles to their name. The Owls will be looking to add to their legacy and compete for the conference title in 2024. Their season opener is set for Aug. 30 at home against Springfield College at 6:30 p.m., where they will begin their quest for a successful campaign.
Overall, both the Fitchburg State and Keene State field hockey teams have high hopes for the upcoming season. With strong competition in their respective conferences, these teams will be looking to showcase their skills, work together as a cohesive unit, and ultimately strive for success on the field. Fans can expect exciting matchups and fierce competition as these teams battle it out for conference supremacy.