KUTZTOWN, PA (August 24, 2010) – The 2010 Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association Division II preseason poll released on Tuesday has the Kutztown University field hockey team picked sixth to begin the season.
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) represents six of the top 10 teams in the poll, including the top two spots by Bloomsburg (No. 1) and Shippensburg (No. 2). Other PSAC schools include East Stroudsburg (No. 5), Indiana (No. 8) and Mercyhurst (No. 9).
The Golden Bears enter 2010 season looking to make a fourth consecutive trip to the PSAC playoffs, extend their streak of double digit winning seasons to seven and improve upon their 12 victories achieved last year.
“This is a young, talented group of women with a lot of enthusiasm,” said head coach Betty Wesner. “Because of these qualities, I will expect nothing but their best effort.”
Offensively, the Golden Bears will turn to the duo of senior forward Abbey Sheeler and sophomore midfielder Jenna Gregory to lead them. The pair combined for 17 goals, 11 assists and 45 points.
Kutztown will open up its 2010 season with three straight home matches. The season opener will be on Saturday September 11 against Slippery Rock University on University Field.
COMPLETE PRESEASON POLL
1. Bloomsburg University
2. Shippensburg University
3. University of Massachusetts Lowell
4. Stonehill College
5. East Stroudsburg University
6. KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY
7. Bentley University
8. Indiana University of PA
9. Mercyhurst College
10. Adelphi University