Field Hockey Begins New Era Friday

Season Preview (Video)
Schedule
Roster
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A new era in Davidson field hockey begins Friday afternoon when the Wildcats open the 2019 season at Georgetown at 2 p.m. in the nation's capital.

First-year head coach Zoe Almquist likes what she's seen from her team since she took the program reins in March, most notably promising potential this fall and beyond.

"I've just been throwing so much brand new information at them, and they've been absorbing all of it completely like a sponge," she said. "I think that willingness and enthusiasm has been really contagious. It's been across the board. Everybody's just been so excited and ready to learn and take on all the changes we've been throwing at them."

The Wildcats, 5-13 a year ago, are tasked with replacing four starters, including their top three scorers, but return a number of key players.

"I think that we're definitely looking to boost the level of play we've had in the past and that's exciting," said junior Nellie Turnage.

Senior goalkeeper Sarah Zeszotarski is back in the cage, where she made 92 saves in 13 games a year ago. This is her third season as the starter.

"Sarah is coming off a ton of playing experience, and she's ready to go back there," said Almquist.

Junior McGee Roman returns at center back and defensive center mid, and Almquist likes Roman's ability to both get the outlet started and be a constant on defense.

"McGee is just so steady and calm," she said.

Turnage should see an expanded role in the offense after scoring a goal against Central Michigan last year.

"Nellie can run," said Almquist. "She gets into space and can be dangerous. The rest of the conference knows it and will be watching out for it. But I think we're going to be taking advantage of her speed and space in the midfield."

Julia Smith is back after earning Atlantic 10 All-Freshman Team honors last year in the back, and Almquist sees junior Caitlyn Gund as a key to the offensive attack, as she moves up to play forward.

Valerie Hajek (Jr.) and Emily Roebuck (Sr.) return as starting midfielders, and junior forward Sydney McKenna is the top returning goal scorer from last year with three goals.

Notes
• The Wildcats welcome an incoming class of seven freshmen, who join three seniors, six juniors and four sophomores.
• Davidson will play seven of its first eight games away from campus, with the exception of the Sept. 6 home contest against Ohio.
• Davidson and Georgetown opened the season against one another last year as well. The Hoyas earned a 1-0 victory in Davidson.
• The Wildcats are seeking their first season-opening win since 2015, when they defeated Georgetown 1-0 on the road.
• Davidson was picked to finish eighth in the Atlantic 10 preseason vote.

Schedule

Players Mentioned

Caitlyn Gund

Valerie Hajek

Sydney McKenna

Emily Roebuck

McGee Roman

Julia Smith

Nellie Turnage

Sarah Zeszotarski

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