Field Hockey | August 25, 2016

PHILADELPHIA- With the goal of postseason play in their minds, the La Salle field hockey program will return to the field this fall, opening against Central Michigan at the Catamont Classic on Saturday at 2:00 pm.

 "The main goal is going to the A-10 Tournament but our goal every game is to just to take what coach says and bring that into the game," said junior Kendall Kreider. "I think that is a big goal of ours, to take what she says and make those changes that we need because those changes are going to help us win those games that'll take us to the A-10 Tournament."

The team will return seven starters under head coach Michelle Salmi and welcome seven new recruits for the upcoming season. Salmi led the team to a 9-9 overall record last year and fell just short of the opportunity to compete in the conference championship.

"We are definitely aiming to make the A-10 Tournament this year," said senior Abby Lawrence. "Last year was definitely disappointing; we came up a little short. So this year I think we just need to work on scoring more often and be more of an attacking threat."

The Explorers will see Kreider [All-Atlantic 10 Second Team pick in 2015] return to provide support on the offensive side alongside Devin Muracco [Atlantic All-Conference Second Team in 2014]. Goalkeeper Rachel Hartman, who was selected for the preseason All-Conference Team, will start in the cage for the Explorers after a successful 2015 campaign where she ranked second in the Atlantic 10 for saves.

 "Our returners have done a really nice job of setting the tone, setting the intensity during practice. We are trying people at different positions, different roles than they have seen in the past. They've really stepped up," said Salmi.

Additionally, the squad welcomes seven promising recruits to the roster, who will look to see time on the field. Newcomers Amanda Chapin, Helga Colbert, Taylor Hafer, Taylor Kauffman, Lauren Lechleitner, Chloe Lucky and Emma Provost will add strong a strong offensive presence on the front line and midfield. 
 "We are really just trying to build on the success that we had this past spring and then incorporate our incoming freshman. I think that we've been trying to generate attacks, get numbers up above the ball, and focus on our defense," said Salmi.

The team will travel to Vermont for their season opener in the hopes of putting their preseason work in to capture a win.