By The Keystone Newspaper Predicted first in PSAC preseason poll
By Gianna Failla
KU field hockey is gearing up for their fall season.
The KU women’s field hockey team has been selected first in the PSAC preseason poll this fall, for the second year in a row. After last season’s 16-6 record, the Golden Bears are returning with spirits high and their sights set on what’s ahead.
Photo Credit: Christopher Hemerly
In last year’s National Championship game against Saint Anselm, the Lady Bears found themselves short of a win in an intense overtime battle for the winning shot. They are aiming to return to the National Championship game and capture their second title, having won their first in 2023.
Senior forward, Sierra Jester (#2) details their focus and how they plan to navigate through their busy game schedule.
“Our team is continuing to use the motto ‘one game at a time.’ If you really think about it, you can’t expect to win another national championship until you win all of the other games first,” Jester said.
Junior midfielder Jessica Traynor (#31) adds to the collective excitement and anticipation for success her team is displaying.
“I am personally excited to play with this team because there is so much talent, and we have such a deep bench this year,” Traynor said. “I believe that we can have a great run if we continue to put the team first and play for each other.”
Traynor expressed that the girls are hyped up to go head-to-head with East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg, the second and third selections in the PSAC preseason poll.
“We always love playing ESU and Shippensburg because those are always our most competitive games,” she said.
Each year, the field hockey team hosts its competition and skills clinic, which is open to middle school and high school students. Young athletes get the chance to train under KU’s coaching staff, gaining the necessary skills it takes to learn and play the game.
“It is so important to invest in the younger generation of field hockey players and uplift not only their skill in the game but their love for the game,” Jester said. “Skill can only get you so far, it’s your love and motivation that can get you to unimaginable places.”
Field hockey kicked off the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 4, against Southern New Hampshire at Andre Reed Stadium with a winning score of 9-2.