News for 26 February 2021
All the news for Friday 26 February 2021
Netherlands set to entertain Germany in Amsterdam
The FIH Hockey Pro League returns to action early in March, with the Netherlands men and women welcoming Germany to Amsterdam’s iconic Wagener Stadium for double headers between two of hockey's greatest rivals.
The women’s and men’s sides will go head-to-head on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March, with the matches being played behind closed doors due to the ongoing COVID-19 global health crisis. As was the case in February’s FIH Hockey Pro League matches that took place in Valencia, Spain, special health and safety requirements will be implemented throughout. However, the TV cameras will be onsite to capture all of the action via the global broadcast.
On both days it will be the women who will be first to take to the field, with the Oranje taking on Die Danas at 14:00 Central European Time (UTC/GMT+1). The Netherlands, coached by Australia legend and two-time FIH Player of the Year Alyson Annan, sit at the top of both the FIH Hockey Pro League standings and the FIH World Rankings. With 23 points from eight matches, the Dutch are six points clear of second placed Argentina, who have played the same number of games, making them heavy favourites to triumph on home soil against the Germans.
Although Germany’s women sit in seventh position, some 17 points behind the league leaders, it is worth noting that they have only been able to play twice since this extended FIH Hockey Pro League season began in January 2020. Those matches came in September’s double-header against Belgium, where Die Danas – who are coached by former Belgium international Xavier Reckinger – recorded 2-0 and 3-1 victories over the Red Panthers in Düsseldorf. With Germany sitting third in the FIH World Rankings and fully aware that they face the Oranje in Pool A of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 later this year, it will be fascinating to see how these fixtures play out.
The men’s matches see a similar dynamic to the women’s games, with the Netherlands holding the upper hand in both the FIH Hockey Pro League standings (NED: 2 | GER: 8) and the FIH World Rankings (NED:3 | GER: 6). However, like the women’s teams, the Netherlands have managed to play far more Pro League matches than their German counterparts, with nine fixtures under their belt compared to the four of Die Honamas. The Oranje claimed two fine victories over Great Britain in October ahead of November’s 4-4 thriller against Belgium, with the Red Lions nicking the bonus point by winning the shoot-out.
Germany’s most recent FIH Hockey Pro League matches were also against Belgium, suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat against the reigning World and European champions in the first meeting before producing a greatly improved performance in the second game, drawing 1-1 and winning the shoot-out to claim the bonus point. The performances against the Red Lions will have provided plenty of learnings for Head Coach Kais Al Saadi, all of which will help his team as they continue preparations for the Olympic Games - where they face Belgium and the Netherlands in Pool A - and June’s EuroHockey Championships, which also take place in the Wagener Stadium.
Due to issues directly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the uncertainties and restrictions around European travel, both teams have agreed that the on-field umpires may come from one of the competing nations. The umpiring team for the matches consists of Laurine Delforge (BEL), Coen van Bunge (NED), Céline Martin-Schmets (BEL) and Jonas van’t Hek (NED), with Edna Rutten (NED) being the Match Manager. We are pleased to confirm that the option for video umpire referrals will be available for these fixtures.
More information about the matches can be found below.
Netherlands v Germany (Women)
Where: Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)
Dates: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 March 2021
Times (CET – GMT / UTC +1): Saturday: 14:00 | Sunday 14:00
Match pages: Match 1 | Match 2
The essentials…
Current FIH World Ranking: Netherlands: 1 | Germany: 3
Current FIH Hockey Pro League position: Netherlands: 1 | Germany: 7
Final standings - FIH Hockey Pro League 2019: Netherlands: 1 | Germany: 3
Head-to-heads in all competitions (since 2013 – 18 matches)
Wins: Netherlands: 16 | Germany: 1 | Draws: 1
Goals scored: Netherlands: 47 | Germany: 11
Team pages (squads & statistics): Netherlands | Germany
Netherlands v Germany (Men)
Where: Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen (NED)
Dates: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 March 2021
Times (CET – GMT / UTC +1): Saturday: 16:30 | Sunday 16:30
Match pages: Match 1 | Match 2
The essentials…
Current FIH World Ranking: Netherlands: 3 | Germany: 6
Current FIH Hockey Pro League position: Netherlands: 2 | Germany: 8
Final standings - FIH Hockey Pro League 2019: Netherlands: 3 | Germany: 6
Head-to-heads in all competitions (since 2013 – 22 matches)
Wins: Netherlands: 11 | Germany: 9 | Draws: 2
Goals scored: Netherlands: 59 | Germany: 40
Team pages (squads & statistics): Netherlands | Germany
Although the fans will not be allowed into the stadium itself, the matches will be available to watch via television or digital streaming thanks to our broadcast partnerships, as well as on the new Watch.Hockey app in every country where a rights holding broadcaster is not showing the matches live.
You can also keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
#FIHProLeague
#HockeyInvites
#PlayHockeyStayHealthy
Official FIH Pro League Site
Another high profile tour for Indian women’s hockey team
The opening of the year could not have been better. Indian women’s hockey team broke the Covid-19 induced lull with the recent tour of Argentina (World No.2). In five days’ time from now, the Indian field hockey angels will be locking horns against Germany (World No.3). Two successive high profile Series, should help the girls obtain the extra that is needed to win a medal at Tokyo. The Rani-led squad of 18 players and seven staff leaves Bengaluru tomorrow for Dusseldorf.
India will play four matches in the Germany Series between 27th and 4th March.
“We feel privileged to travel in a short span to play yet another top team in the world. Germany will be one of the favourites at the Tokyo Olympics and to test our level against them will really help in our preparations. Hockey India and SAI worked swiftly to ensure this tour was sanctioned and I thank them for making this happen,” stated Indian Women’s team Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne.
Following their experience against the Argentinian side, the Indian Women’s team had returned to SAI, after a brief break, for the National Coaching Camp where they planned to focus on the areas that needed improvement basis their performance analysis. Marijne believes playing against a team like Germany who play with a different style will only challenge the team further to improvise.
“We have to make the most of every opportunity we get to play against these higher ranked teams. Germany plays with a very unique and different style compared to Argentina and this will help us prepare for the Olympic Games. Also, since these are back-to-back matches, our level of fitness will also be tested,” Marijne opined.
Indian Women’s Team Goalkeeper, Savita: “Back to back tours, playing the top ranked teams will be beneficial in our preparations towards the Tokyo Olympics 2021. This will be another opportunity for our team to try out various players in different formations. We look forward to playing these matches against a top team like Germany and I believe this will not just be an enriching experience for the team in terms of experience but this will also test our fitness levels as we are coming from a long tour of Argentina.”
“The facilities in Argentina were fantastic. In these circumstances, we can’t be too demanding either. The priority will be safety of players and we will be following all rules in Germany and SOPs provided by Hockey India,” Marijne added.
The team members will not be moving out of the bubble and meeting any third-party source as even while travelling to the match/training venue the team will be travelling in a dedicated transport. The local resources along with the team eg. Team bus/coach, drivers, support staff will all remain the same throughout the tour to avoid any lapses in any way possible. There will be no movement for members to move out of the hotel except for training and match days.
The entire Indian contingent has undergone a Covid-19 RT-PCR Test 48 hours prior to their entry in Germany. The team will be following all safety and health measures as advised by the respective Governments of India and Germany. Further the teams will also be following the Hockey India SOPs as available on the Hockey India website.
GOALKEEPERS
SAVITA (V.C.)
RAJANI ETIMARPU
DEFENDERS
DEEP GRACE EKKA
GURJIT KAUR
UDITA
NISHA
MIDFIELDERS
NIKKI PRADHAN
MONIKA
NEHA
LILIMA MINZ
SUSHILA CHANU PUKHRAMBAM
SALIMA TETE
NAVJOT KAUR
FORWARDS
RANI (C.)
LALREMSIAMI
NAVNEET KAUR
RAJWINDER KAUR
SHARMILA DEVI
Stick2Hockey.com
Hockey Australia says 'bring it on' for a Queensland 2032 Olympic Games
Hockey Australia lauds the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to give Brisbane 'preferred host' status for the 2032 Olympic Games.
The IOC announced it would enter into 'Targeted Dialogue' for Brisbane and South East Queensland to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
“Hosting an Olympic Games in Australia again would be amazing for Australian hockey and Australian sport more broadly,” said Hockey Australia CEO Matt Favier.
“The Sydney 2000 Olympics were the pinnacle of a transformative period in Australian sport. The lead up to those Games was an exhilarating time for athletes and the Australian public, so should Brisbane and South East Queensland be awarded hosting rights when the final decision is announced, there is no doubt it would provide a much needed boost to the Australian sporting sector.”
“Australian Olympic Committee President John Coates, CEO Matt Carroll, the respective levels of government and the entire bid team are to be commended for their incredible work in positioning this bid so strongly.”
Hockey Australia media release
Ballymore mooted as hockey venue for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics bid
Should Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics bid become a successful one, it is mooted that Ballymore would host the men’s and women’s hockey.
If the sport remains on the Games programme then the redeveloped area of Ballymore, in the suburb of Herston, is noted as the likely choice, while the existing Gold Coast Hockey Centre could be an alternative venue.
The Ballymore stadium facility – the upgraded costs are reported to be around £17 million – is currently a rugby venue and will also be a training venue for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This week, the International Olympic Committee announced Brisbane as its preferred candidate to host the 2023 Olympics.
Other bidders to host the sporting extravaganza have included Budapest, Doha, a Rhine-Ruhr German proposal, as well as Chengdu and Chongqing in China.
Ballymore, left, is a suburb of Brisbane
“I’m very pleased that we’ll be working with the mayors and the Federal Government to ensure that we get the funding to make this a reality,” Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Queensland premier, told Australian media.
“We already have 85 per cent of the venues at the moment. We don’t have to build huge stadiums that are not going to be used in the future.
“And this gives us hope and opportunity as we go through our economic recovery and plan for the future.”
If the Queensland bid is accepted, it would be the third Australian city to host an Olympics after Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney 2000.
The Hockeyroos last won Olympic gold at those 2000 Games. The Kookaburras last won gold in 2004.
Hockey will feature at the 2024 Paris Olympics, although nothing is confirmed for Los Angeles 2028.
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Saba Continue Support for Irish Women’s Hockey Team
The Saba Restaurant Group has announced renewal of their official partnership with Hockey Ireland.
Award winning Saba Restaurants and Saba To Go have announced that they will continue their Official Partnership with the Irish Women’s Hockey Team.
Saba will continue to fuel the teams training sessions and games as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics 2021. For the last two years, the Saba team has worked closely with the team nutritionist and management to provide meals and nutrition for the players. At this level every detail matters.
Saba’s owner Paul Cadden has said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Hockey Ireland at this exciting time. We have got to know this inspiring group really well and we are thrilled to be part of their journey fueling the Green Army towards the Tokyo Olympics 2021.”
Hockey Ireland’s CEO Jerome Pels has said: “It is fantastic to have the continued support of Saba Restaurants and Saba To Go as an Official Partner. The Saba team have worked with our team Nutritionist to ensure that the meals provided to the team are ideal for their training and recovery as they prepare for a very demanding summer of international hockey in 2021. With the European Championships and the Olympics to prepare for, we are delighted to continue this partnership knowing that high quality nutritious meals are being provided to help the team prepare.”
SoftCo, Park Developments & Saba Restaurants Host International Women’s Day Lunch To Celebrate The Irish Senior Women’s Hockey Team 6/3/2020. Pictured is Chloe Watkins, Katie Mullan and Deirdre Duke Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Irish Hockey Association media release
Hockey Ireland Renew Partnership with SABA
THE SABA RESTAURANT GROUP HAS ANNOUNCED RENEWAL OF THEIR OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH HOCKEY IRELAND 
Award-winning Saba Restaurants and Saba To Go have announced that they will continue their Official Partnership with Hockey Ireland and the Irish Women’s Hockey Team. 
"Ball lies in Prime Minister`s Court" - Rasheedul Hassan
By Ijaz Chaudhry
Addressing a crowded press conference in Gojra, hockey legend Rasheedul Hasan, a member of gold medal winning teams of Olympics (1984), World Cup (1982),Asian Games, Asia Cup & Junior World Cup, came hard on the Pakistan Hockey Federation's top brass, blaming them for Pakistan hockey's steep decline.
During the tenure of PHF President Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, Pakistan's world ranking has slipped down from 10th to 17th. Pakistan has failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
Khokhar and PHF Secretary General Asif Bajwa have badly damaged the game even at the grassroots level. They indulge in clubs` politics. Only boys from the clubs of PHF`s sycophants and supporters are called in the camps for national senior and junior teams.
As per the PHF constitution, the annual meeting of its congress is supposed to be held every December. But the congress meeting for the 2020 hasn't been called as yet. PHF is also bound to show the annual account statement to the congress members. The account statement for 2020 is still awaited.
I,along with some other hockey stalwarts, met the IPC Minister Dr Fehmida Mirza. We apprised her of the misdoings of the PHF. She fully agreed with us and has reportedly also informed the Prime Minister.
The Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination appointed a subcommittee headed by Senator Walid Iqbal The sub-committee met all the stake holders including former distinguished hockey players, PHF hierarchy and IPC Secretary. In its report, the sub-committee recommended the immediate removal of PHF`s President and Secretary. This recommendation appeared in the media as well.
Rasheedul Hassan wondered what is stopping the Prime Minister, "After all this, the Prime Minister, being the Patron in Chief of the PHF, must take strict decisions based on merit to save Pakistan`s national game".
Ijaz Chaudhry writes on hockey & other sports. For more about him and his work, visit: www.sportscorrespondent.info
Fieldhockey.com
Revamped hockey national championships to begin in March after a year's break
The new format aims to maximise athlete participation and develop the game in the states, union territories, institutional units and academies.
New Delhi: The restructured Hockey India National Championships will restart in March after a hiatus of one year following the cancellation of last year's events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The domestic competitions will resume in a new, restructured format this year, as Hockey India (HI) looks to maximise athlete participation and develop the game in the states, union territories, institutional units and academies.
The season will kick-start with the 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021 to be held in Simdega, Jharkhand from 10 March to 18 March, followed by 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2021 scheduled to be organised in Narwana district of Haryana from 17 to 25 March.
The inaugural edition of the first Hockey India Junior Women Academy National Championship 2021 will be held from 17 to 26 March. The women's event in this category will run simultaneously from 17 to 24 March. Both the competitions will be played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
This will be followed by the 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship at Simdega, Jharkhand from 3 to 12 April.
Last year, only the 10th Hockey India Senior Men and Senior Women Championship 2020 (A Division) as well as the 10th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2020 (B Division) were held in January and February before the pandemic wreaked havoc worldwide.
"We are very happy to resume the domestic calendar after the pandemic halted all the sporting events last year," HI president Gyanendro Ningombam said in a statement.
"The season will begin in an all-new avatar with the restructuring of events for sub-junior, junior and senior national championships for both men and women as well as Hockey India registered State Member Units, Public Sector Units/ Departmental Units and Academy Member Units respectively," he added.
With the threat of pandemic still looming large, the national federation has instructed the host state associations to appoint Hygiene Officers at every venue.
Besides, following HI's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a must for all participating teams, tournament officials as well as host states.
HI further stated that the dates for the remaining National Championships for 2021 will be announced later, after receiving confirmation from participating teams.
Firstpost
Commencement of Nationals will kick starts Indian domestic hockey
S2H Team
The much awaited thing has happened. In a major boost to kick start Indian domestic hockey, the national governing body Hockey India has announced scheduled for various age group National Championships. Earlier, Indian men and women team too set out for Europe. The domestic events are long awaited ever since Indian government has come up with a massive vaccine program for the country. About 2 Cr. people have already been vaccinated against Covid-19 virus.
The Hockey India National Championships 2021 will start in March this year, after the Covid-19 pandemic ravaged the calendar last year with most key events being cancelled.
Domestic competitions this year, however, will resume in a revamped, restructured format which attempts to maximise participation of players with an eye on developing the game in states, union territories, institutional units and academies.
The season starts with the 11th Hockey India Sub-Junior Girls’ National Championship which will be held in Simdega, Jharkhand, from 10 March to 18 March. The corresponding championship for boys will be held in Narwana, Haryana, from 17 to 25 March.
This would be a first for both Simdega and Narwana in terms of hosting a national championship.
The inaugural Hockey India Junior Women’s Academy National Championship will be held from 17 March to 26 March 2021 and the first Hockey India Sub-Junior Women’s Academy National Championship 2021 from 17 March to 24 March 2021 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
This will be followed by the 11th Hockey India Junior Women’s National Championship at Simdega, Jharkhand, between 3 to12 April 2021.
The National Championships will be resuming after a gap of a year. In 2020, the 10th Hockey India Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Championship 2020 (A Division) as well as the 10th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2020 (B Division) were held in January and February 2020 while the remaining National championships were cancelled because of the Covid 19 pandemic.
“We are very happy to resume the domestic calendar after the pandemic halted all the sporting events last year,” stated Hockey India’s President Gyanendro Ningombam.
“The season will begin in an all-new avatar with the restructuring of events for sub-junior, junior and senior national championships for both men and women as well as Hockey India registered State Member Units, Public Sector Units/ Departmental Units and Academy Member Units respectively.” he added.
He further stated that members of the Hockey India Selection Committee will be closely observing talent.
“While hundreds of talented players missed out on showcasing their performance last year due to the pandemic, I am hopeful they have will be able to excel at the forthcoming events and perform their best. Hockey India selectors will be closely observing these nationals in order to induct new talent into the national programs,” he said.
HI instructs state members to appoint hygiene officers at each venue:
While following Hockey India’s SOPs is a must for all participating teams, tournament officials as well as host states, Hockey India has laid emphasis on ensuring guidelines by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as well as respective state governments at the forthcoming National Championships.
Ningombam said: “There is strict emphasis on host states, participating teams and officials involved in the national championships to follow all the protocols and SOPs laid out not just by Hockey India but also the MHA as well as respective state governments.”
“The protocols are different in each state and it is important these SOPs are followed to the T to ensure players’ safety. In order to ensure all these parameters are kept in check and all protocols are met at each of the National Championship, we have instructed all State Members to appoint a hygiene officer at each of the National Championships to assist with implementation of the SOP’s.”
The schedule for 2021 Hockey India National Championships:
· 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Women National Championship 2021, Simdega, Jharkhand, 10 to 18 March 2021
· 11th Hockey India Sub Junior Men National Championship 2021, Narwana, Haryana, 17 to 25 March 2021
· 1st Hockey India Junior Women Academy National Championship 2021, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 17 to 26 March 2021
· 1st Hockey India Sub Junior Women Academy National Championship 2021, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 17 to 24 March 2021
· 11th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2021, Simdega, Jharkhand, 3 to 12 April 2021
The dates for the remaining Hockey India National Championships for 2021 will also be announced once there is confirmation from all participating members.
Stick2Hockey.com
THT hard hit by Covid-19
By Jugjet Singh
Three Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) players tested positive for Covid-19. - NSTP/File pic
Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) were dealt a big blow in preseason when three of their Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) players tested positive for Covid-19.
And one of the infected three is said to be THT's top gun.
The THT management tested 10 Kuala Lumpur-based players on Tuesday while their state-based players were tested a day later.
The results of the second batch of THT players should be out by today.
After three out of 10 players tested positive, the THT management are awaiting the Covid-19 results of their second group of players before making a statement.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have made it mandatory for all 14 league teams: eight men's and six women's as well as officials, to undergo pre-season testing before they can start training.
THT had planned to start their training on Sunday while a friendly match was arranged for Wednesday next week against Maybank.
Earlier, the MHC got approval from the Sports Ministry for their league teams to start training on Feb 15. But because of strict guidelines, almost all the teams decided to only start training from this Sunday.
The men's MHL is scheduled to start on March 11 while the women's category will begin on March 15.
A swab test is a must for the players before the teams start training. And before they enter into a bio-secure sports bubble on March 10, another test will be conducted by the MHC.
MHC plan to put about 600 players and officials in a designated venue (sports bubble). Accommodation, food and transportation will be provided.
All matches will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, and the estimated cost to host the MHL is expected to be around RM2 million.
No outside contact will be allowed once the players and officials check into the sport bubble. Those who sneak out without permission will be immediately expelled.
The men's teams competing in the MHL are Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu Hockey Team, Tenaga Nasional, TNB Thunderbolts, Maybank, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Sabah and Nurinsafi Hockey Team.
The women's league will have PKS UniTen, Police Blue Warriors, Mutiara Impian, Sabah, Young Tigress and UniKL Ladies.
New Straits Times
Weekend College Games: February 26 - March 3
Photo Credit: Ferrum College Athletics, Kirk Irwin/Ohio State Athletics, Newberry Athletics, SLU Athletics
Another weekend of some great college field hockey games! This 29-game weekend (schedule subject to change), will mark the first weekend of contests for Division III.
Friday, February 26, 2021
DI: Michigan vs. Penn State | 10:30 a.m. ET | Postponed
The University of Michigan field hockey team's opening-weekend games against Penn State and Ohio State, scheduled for Friday and Saturday (February 26 and 27) in Virginia Beach, Va., have been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The decision was made by the Michigan Athletic Department in consultation with medical professionals.
The institutions will work with the Big Ten Conference to identify potential rescheduling options later this season.
DI: Old Dominion vs. Villanova | 12:00 p.m. ET | Monarch All-Access
Old Dominion (2-1, 2-0 BIG EAST) will host Villanova (0-2, 0-2 BIG EAST) in Norfolk, Va. for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday.
After falling in their season opener to Virginia Commonwealth in overtime, the Monarchs responded last weekend with two BIG EAST wins over Temple. The first game was decided in a shootout, after ODU went ahead twice in the match before eventually prevailing. The home team needed only 1:55 into the game to tally the first goal of the game off a perfectly teed up penalty corner. ODU held the 1-0 lead for the remainder of the first half and also kept Temple to just one shot on goal. Temple evened the game in the 43rd minute off a penalty corner, but the Monarchs scored 90 seconds later to regain the lead in the fourth quarter. ODU's advantage was short lived as the Owls tied the game 84 seconds later off a penalty corner scramble. The match went through two scoreless overtime periods before the Monarchs came to victory in overtime, 3-2.
ODU goalkeeper Cam MacGillivray was named PlaySafe/NFHCA Division I Defensive Player of the Week after making six saves and allowing only two goals over 140 minutes of action.
The second meeting saw ODU produce the lone goal of the game at the end of the first quarter off a penalty corner rebound. The Monarchs held advantages with 14 total shots, landing six on goal and producing nine penalty corners. The Owls had only three shots, two on target, and three penalty corners.
Villanova is coming off a two loss opening weekend to BIG EAST opponent Liberty, both by defeats of 1-7. Liberty scored in the second minute to take an early 1-0 lead, but Villanova stayed within a one-goal margin until 4 minutes left before halftime. The Flames scored a pair of goals two minutes apart late in the second period and added two more tallies in both the second and third periods for a 7-0 score. Visiting Villanova got one on the scoreboard in the 54th minute.
Similar to the first, the second contest saw Liberty take a commanding 4-0 halftime lead. Villanova got on the board in the third quarter off a redirect. The Wildcats did a better job of gaining possessions and creating offensive opportunities than the previous game. After not taking a penalty corner in the opening game, Villanova was awarded its first of the season just one-minute into the game.
The last time the Monarchs and Wildcats met was in November 2019, where ODU won 6-0. Of their eight total career meetings, ODU has won six.
DI: Indiana vs. Rutgers | 12:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)
Indiana and Rutgers will open the neutral site Big Ten weekend games at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va., that will run these next two weekends.
This game will be both team's season openers. Indiana finished the fall 2019 season 5-12 and Rutgers was 10-8, tying a program best with four Big Ten wins.
In their last nine meetings, Rutgers is 7-2, winning the last one in October 2019, 3-2.
DI: New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts | 1:00 p.m. ET
New Hampshire will welcome Massachusetts to Durham, N.H. for a season opening out-of-conference match-up.
The Wildcats were supposed to start the 2020v2 season by playing Connecticut on February 21, but the game was canceled. In the fall 2019, New Hampshire went 8-10, falling in the America East Quarterfinals.
This game will be Massachusetts' season opener. The Minutewomen went 10-10 in 2019, making it to the Atlantic 10 Semifinals before falling to Richmond.
New Hampshire holds the overall wins advantage 7-2, winning their last meeting 2-1 in October 2019.
DI: Drexel vs. Saint Joseph's | 2:00 p.m. ET | DragonsTV
After having both their season openers postponed or canceled, Drexel will host Saint Joseph's on Friday.
Drexel was supposed to play Hofstra last Friday in New York, but the game was postponed. The Dragons went 4-14 in 2019.
Saint Joseph's was supposed to play Connecticut last Friday, but the game was canceled. In the fall 2019, the Hawks went 17-4, advancing to the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Maryland. That year, they won their fourth consecutive Atlantic 10 regular season title and third consecutive Atlantic 10 tournament crown, being the first team in Saint Joseph's history to win three consecutive Atlantic 10 championships.
They have split the last ten games at 5-5, with Saint Joseph's winning the most recent meeting 4-1 in September 2019.
DI: Maryland vs. Michigan State | 2:30 p.m. ET
Maryland and Michigan State are the second game of the neutral site Big Ten weekend at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va., that will run these next two weekends.
This game will be both team's season openers. The Terrapins finished the fall 2019 season 17-4, falling in the NCAA Second Round in overtime to Virginia. They were 7-1 in Big Ten conference play. The Spartans went 7-11 and 0-8 in Big Ten play.
The last time these teams played was October 2019, with Maryland winning 5-1.
DI: Northeastern vs. Connecticut | 3:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats
Northeastern will host Connecticut (1-0) in Nedham, Mass., for their season opener.
The King Huskies finished 2019, 11-8, and 3-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Their season ended in the CAA Championship game to Delaware.
Connecticut's last two games against Saint Joseph's and New Hampshire were both canceled but they did open the season February 13 with a 5-0 win over out-of-conference Hofstra. It also marked the first career win for new head coach Paul Caddy.
Of the last ten meetings, Connecticut holds the 8-2 advantage.
DII: Converse vs. Coker | 5:00 p.m. ET
In Spartanburg, S.C., Converse will host South Atlantic Conference Carolinas opponent Coker on Friday.
Converse fell to Newberry on February 10 in their season opener. The Valkyries were led by Eryn Follett, in her first collegiate game, who registered three shots.
This game will be Coker's season opener. In their all time meeting history, Coker has won all four match-ups.
Saturday, February 27, 2021
DI: Michigan vs. Ohio State | 10:30 a.m. ET
The University of Michigan field hockey team's opening-weekend games against Penn State and Ohio State, scheduled for Friday and Saturday (February 26 and 27) in Virginia Beach, Va., have been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The decision was made by the Michigan Athletic Department in consultation with medical professionals.
The institutions will work with the Big Ten Conference to identify potential rescheduling options later this season.
DI: Davidson vs. Appalachian State | 11:00 a.m. ET | Live Stats
In-state teams, Davidson (0-1) and Appalachian State will play in Davidson, N.C. this Saturday.
Davidson opened the season February 14 against Liberty, and even though they produced a solid performance, the Wildcats fell 3-1. Davidson held the Flames scoreless for a half, shut them out on defensive penalty corners and had a chance to tie it in the final moments before allowing an empty-net goal. After Liberty struck twice in the third quarter, the Wildcats scored with 11 minutes to play on an angled shot from the right side.
This game will be Appalachian State's season opener. The Mountaineers went 11-9 overall 1-5 in the Mid-American Conference in 2019.
The last time these teams played was September 2019, and Appalachian State won 3-0. Since 2007, the teams have played 20 times with the Davidson winning 12.
DI: Indiana vs. Iowa | 11:00 a.m. ET | BTN+($)
Indiana will compete in their second game of the weekend when they meet Iowa in a neutral site Big Ten contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va.
Iowa is set to play Indiana on Saturday and Penn State on Sunday. The Hawkeyes finished the fall 2019 season 17-5 and 7-1 in the Big Ten, after claiming the regular season Big Ten Title and following up with a Big Ten Tournament Championship.
In their last meeting, Iowa won 6-1.
DI: Temple vs. Liberty | 12:00 p.m. ET | OwlsTV
Temple (1-2, 0-2 BIG EAST) will host Liberty (3-0, 2-0 BIG EAST) in Philadelphia, Pa. for two BIG EAST match-ups, one Saturday and one Sunday.
Temple is coming off a two loss weekend to Old Dominion. The first game was decided in a shootout, after ODU went ahead twice in the match before eventually prevailing. The home team needed only 1:55 into the game to tally the first goal of the game off a perfectly teed up penalty corner. ODU held the 1-0 lead for the remainder of the first half and also kept Temple to just one shot on goal. Temple evened the game in the 43rd minute off a penalty corner, but the Monarchs scored 90 seconds later to regain the lead in the fourth quarter. ODU's advantage was short lived as the Owls tied the game 84 seconds later off a penalty corner scramble. The match went through two scoreless overtime periods before the Monarchs came to victory in overtime, 3-2.
Liberty extended their winning record to 3-0 last weekend after collecting a pair of wins over Villanova. The Flames scored in the second minute to take an early 1-0 lead, added two more goals two minutes apart late in the second period and tallied two more in both the second and third periods for a 7-0 score. Visiting Villanova got one on the scoreboard in the 54th minute.
Similar to the first, the second contest saw Liberty take a commanding 4-0 halftime lead. Villanova got on the board in the third quarter off a redirect. Liberty's Jill Bolton was named PlaySafe/NFHCA Division I Offensive Player of the Week for scoring three goals and assisting on four others for 10 offensive points.
The last time these two teams met was September 2019, where the Flames were victorious 4-0.
DI: Bellarmine vs. Saint Louis | 12:00 p.m. ET | ESPN+
Saint Louis (1-0) will host Bellarmine for an out-of-conference two-game series at the SportPort International in Saint Louis, Mo. on Saturday and Sunday.
This game will be Bellarmine's season opener and Division I debut. While in Division II, the Knights went 10-8 overall in 2019.
Saint Louis opened the season on Tuesday in a cross-division meeting with Lindenwood. Demi Sahuleka recorded a hat trick in her first game as a Billiken, leading Saint Louis to a season-opening 5-0 victory. This was the first time five goals were scored in a game since August 2017, against LIU Brooklyn.
The last time these two teams played was in 2011, where Saint Louis won 1-0.
DI: Northwestern vs. Michigan State | 3:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)
Michigan State will compete in their second game of the weekend when they meet Northwestern in a neutral site Big Ten contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va.
Michigan State is set to play Maryland on Saturday and Northwestern on Sunday. The Spartans finished the fall 2019 season 7-11 and 0-8 in the Big Ten.
This game will be Northwestern's season opener. The Wildcats finished last season 14-8, 5-3 in the Big Ten, and made their second trip to the NCAA Tournament in three season.
In their last meeting in September 2019, Northwestern defeated Michigan State 4-1.
DI: Old Dominion vs. Villanova | 4:00 p.m. ET | Monarch All-Access
Sunday, February 27, 2021
DI: Rutgers vs. Ohio State | 10:30 a.m. ET | BTN+($)
Rutgers will compete in their second game of the weekend when they meet Ohio State in a neutral site Big Ten contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va.
Rutgers will play Indiana on Friday but this will be Ohio State's season opener after their Saturday match against Michigan was postponed.
The Scarlet Knights went 10-8 in 2019, and was 4-4 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes sat at 9-9, going 3-6 in conference play.
There last meeting in October 2019 was a close 1-0 decided that went to Rutgers.
DI: Iowa vs. Penn State | 11:45 a.m. ET | BTN+($)
Iowa will compete in their second game of the weekend when they meet Penn State in a neutral site Big Ten contest at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va.
Iowa will play Indiana on Saturday but this will be Penn State's season opener after their Friday match against Michigan was postponed.
The Hawkeyes finished the fall 2019 season 17-5 and 7-1 in the Big Ten, after claiming the regular season Big Ten Title and following up with a Big Ten Tournament Championship. The Nittany Lions went 8-12, going 4-4 in conference play.
Their last met in November 2019 was a close 1-0 contest that was decided in overtime with Iowa coming out on top.
DI: Connecticut vs. Providence | 12:00 p.m. ET
Connecticut (1-0) will host Providence in Storrs, Conn. on Sunday for their first BIG EAST match-up and second game of the weekend.
Connecticut's last two games against Saint Joseph's and New Hampshire were both canceled but they did open the season February 13 with a 5-0 win over out-of-conference Hofstra. It also marked the first career win for new head coach Paul Caddy.
This game will be Providence's season opener. The Friars finished last season 12-7, going 4-3 in the BIG EAST.
Connecticut has dominated the all-tie meetings with Providence, winning 38 times, losing 8 and tying 3.
DI: Bellarmine vs. Saint Louis | 12:00 p.m. ET
DI: Temple vs. Liberty | 12:00 p.m. ET | OwlsTV
DI: Hofstra vs. Monmouth | 1:00 p.m. ET | HofstraTV
Hofstra (0-2) will welcome Monmouth to Hempstead, N.Y. for an out-of-conference game on Sunday.
Hofstra started the 2020v2 season 0-2 falling to both Temple, 0-1, and Connecticut, 0-5. The Pride's game with Drexel on February 19 was canceled, but they will look to rebound against Monmouth.
This game will be Monmouth's season opener. The Hawks went 14-5 in 2019, and going 5-0 in the America East Conference.
The last meeting in September 2019 saw Monmouth claim the win 6-0
DI: Northeastern vs. Maine | 1:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats
Northeastern will host Maine in Nedham, Mass. in an out-of-conference game on Sunday.
The King Huskies will open up the season Friday against Connecticut. They finished 2019, 11-8, and 3-3 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Their season ended in the CAA Championship game to Delaware.
This game will be Maine's season opener. The Black Bears went 8-10 in 2019, and going 4-1 in the America East Conference.
In their last meeting in September 2019 it was a high scoring contests that ended with Northeastern winning 6-3.
DI: Boston College vs. Massachusetts | 2:00 p.m. ET
Boston College (0-3) will restart the 2020v2 season after competing in just three Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) games in the fall when they host in-state team Massachusetts on Sunday.
The Eagles are 0-3 on the year and saw their fall campaign end with a 0-4 loss to North Carolina in the ACC Tournament.
Massachusetts will play New Hampshire on Friday to open their season. The Minutewomen went 10-10 in 2019, making it to the Atlantic 10 Semifinals before falling to Richmond.
The last time these two teams played was September 2018, where Boston College won 6-1.
DI: Maryland vs. Northwestern | 3:00 p.m. ET | BTN+($)
Maryland and Northwestern will be the third game on Sunday of the neutral site Big Ten weekend at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex in Virginia Beach, Va.
Maryland will play Friday and Northwestern will play Michigan State on Saturday.
The Terrapins finished the fall 2019 season 17-4, falling in the NCAA Second Round in overtime to Virginia. They were 7-1 in Big Ten conference play. The Wildcats finished last season 14-8, 5-3 in the Big Ten, and made their second trip to the NCAA Tournament in three season.
The two teams last played in October 2019 which ended in a thrilling 2-1 double overtime win for Maryland.
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
DIII: Virginia Wesleyan vs. Ferrum | 4:00 p.m. ET
The first Division III game of the 2020v2 season will see Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) teams Virginia Wesleyan and Ferrum play in Virginia Beach, Va. on Tuesday.
Virginia Wesleyan went 5-13 in 2019, and 2-6 in the ODAC. Ferrum was 2-16 overall and went 0-8 in the ODAC.
The last time these teams played was October 2019, where Virginia Wesleyan won 4-0. The Marlins hold the all-time meetings wins record at 7-0.
DII: Coker vs. Queens | 4:00 p.m. ET | Cobra Sports Network
Coker will host Queens (0-1, 0-1 SAC) in Hartsville, S.C. for a South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Carolinas game.
Coker will have their season opener on Friday against Converse. Queens started the season on February 19 against Belmont Abbey, falling 4-2. Trailing 1-0 early, the Royals found the back of net to knot it at 1-1 following a penalty corner. Belmont Abbey used a pair of season-quarter goals to take a 3-1 lead into halftime. Following a scoreless third quarter, Queens pulled within one when a foul within the circle earned them a penalty stroke. The Crusaders added one five minutes later off a deflected to secure the win.
The last time these two teams met was in the 2019 SAC Carolinas Semifinals, where Queens came out on top 4-2.
DII: Newberry vs. Mount Olive | 4:00 p.m. ET | Newberry Sports Network
Newberry (2-0, 2-0 SAC) will welcome Mount Olive (0-2) to Newberry, S.C. for a Tuesday South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Carolinas match-up.
Heading into this game, Newberry sits at 2-0 after defeating Converse and Belmont Abbey. Mount Olive is on the opposite end, being 0-2, falling to Belmont Abbey and Limestone. The Trojans will look to notch their first win of the season while the Wolves are hoping to extend their win streak.
Both teams last meet in October 2019 in a game where Newberry won 6-2.
DII: Limestone vs. Converse | 8:00 p.m. ET | LimestoneTV
To finish off the weekend of South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Carolinas games, Limestone (1-0, 1-0 SAC) and Converse will play in Gaffney, S.C. on Tuesday evening.
Limestone opened the season a week prior, defeating Mount Olive 3-1. The Saints jumped ahead in the second minute of its 2020v2 season-opener and held a steady lead throughout, as the defending SAC Carolinas champions went on to secure the road win.
Converse will play Coker on Friday. The Valkyries fell to Newberry on February 10 in their season opener. They were led by Eryn Follett, in her first collegiate game, who registered three shots.
These teams last played in September 2019 with Limestone tallying a 4-0 victory.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
DI: New Hampshire vs. Merrimack | 2:00 p.m. ET
New Hampshire will welcome Merrimack to Durham, N.H. for their visitor's season opener on Wednesday.
The Wildcats were supposed to start the 2020v2 season by playing Connecticut on February 21, but the game was canceled. They will play Massachusetts on Friday. In the fall 2019, New Hampshire went 8-10, falling in the America East Quarterfinals.
This game will be Merrimack's season opener. The Warriors went 2-15 in 2019, and went 1-5 in the Northeast Conference.
With the Merrimack transitioning to Division I for the 2019 season, they have never played New Hampshire.
Click here for the weekly schedule and live stream links. Note: schedule and times subject to change.
USFHA media release
Friday's Field Hockey Matchup at Northeastern Canceled
Cancelation Due to a COVID-Related Issue Within NU's FH Program
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut field hockey team's contest against Northeastern, scheduled for Friday, February 26 in Boston, has been canceled due to a COVID-related issue within NU's field hockey program.
UConn is back in action on Sunday, February 28 when the team welcomes Providence to Storrs in the BIG EAST opener for both teams. Game time is set for 12 p.m. at the George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex.
UConn Huskies
Field Hockey Begins Season at B1G at The Beach
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers field hockey begins their season this Friday, following a near-400 day wait since their last time on the field playing together. The season kicks off with two weeks of neutral site games in Virginia Beach, Va., where Rutgers will play four conference games. The Scarlet Knights open up this Friday against Indiana at noon, followed by a Sunday morning matchup at 10:30 a.m. against Ohio State. Both of those games will be streamed on BTN Plus.
This weekend is the first of two weekends of the neutral site format, with RU returning the following weekend to face Iowa and then another game against the Buckeyes. Rutgers will return home for the home opener on March 12 against Michigan State.
Rutgers returns an All-American goalkeeper in Gianna Glatz. Also a member of the U.S. U-21 Women's National Team, the Medford, New Jersey native had a 0.740 save percentage last season on top of four shutouts.Glatz was joined by Katie Larmour and Kerrie Burns as Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch.
"It's awesome to be back together with my teammates," Gianna Glatz said. "It was tough being away from my teammates during the summer, they are like my family. Once we got back together, it was like we never left. It is such a family atmosphere, we are literally sisters and best friends."
Seven of the eight top scorers from 2019 will return to the field this season as well as 13 members who have previously starting experience. That includes four players who started every game: Larmour (second on the team with seven goals and 15 points), Kerrie Burns (third on the team with four goals and nine points), Tayla Parkes (two goals and five assists), and back Abby Regn. Melina Redlingshoefer (second on the team in assists) returns alongside other key contributors in Clayre Smith, Rachel Houston, Kassidy Shetler, and Gracey Butsack.
The Scarlet Knights welcome seven new players to this year's roster. Four of the newcomers are New Jersey natives, joined by three international players.
Rutgers will take on the Indiana Hoosiers to start the schedule. Rutgers has won six of the last eight matchups against the Hoosiers, including last season's 3-2 win. Indiana was represented on the Big Ten Preseason Watch List by Jemima Cookson, Sydney Keld, and Mary Kate Kesler.
On Sunday, the Scarlet Knights will face off with Ohio State, which will be the season opener for the Buckeyes. Rutgers trails the all-time series with the Buckeyes 4-6, but captured a 1-0 win in Columbus last season. Ohio State returns Mackenzie Allessie, a First Team All-Big Ten selection last season.
After a long hiatus, Rutgers is hoping to make the most of their time back on the field. The Scarlet Knights have not played a game since the fall of 2019, and are eager to build on what the team had accomplished prior to the COVID-19 pandemic stoppage.
"We've been able to go all out every time we step on the field and be really appreciative of the fact that we are able to be here and to train," said newcomer Liz Romano. "Hopefully all our hard work will pay off in the spring."
The culture is still strong. The bond of sisterhood off the field helps improve the program's success on the field. There is a lot of excitement within the team's brand new locker room about being back together and readiness to begin this new journey.
"The team culture here is the best in the country," Kassidy Shettler said. "Everyone is super welcoming and inclusive. This is a family environment, a group of people that always have your back on and off the field."
Scarlet Knights media release
Field Hockey Opens 2021 against Maryland in B1G at the Beach
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State's field hockey team opens the 2020-21 season on Friday, Feb. 26, playing Maryland in B1G at the Beach in Virginia Beach, Va. The Spartans will take on the Terrapins at 2:30 p.m. and fans can watch on BTN Plus with a BTN Plus subscription.
The game against Maryland is the first of two games this weekend at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex as all Big Ten Conference teams will play a pair of games in Virginia Beach to open the season.
MSU plays Northwestern on Saturday, Feb. 27, also at 2:30 p.m.
When the Spartans take the field on Friday, it will be their first game in more than 400 days, as the COVID 19 Pandemic forced the normal Fall competition season to be pushed to the Spring.
"What we're looking forward to most is getting out and competing against someone else," 10th-year Head Coach Helen Knull said. "It has been 481 days since we last played a game. As athletes, you live for competition and I know the team can't wait to put on that Green & White uniform and represent Michigan State."
The Spartans, coming off a 7-11 overall record and an 0-8 B1G mark in 2019, welcome back 15 letterwinners, including four of the top five scorers from last year, and welcome six newcomers who should make an impact.
"We've got some seniors who provide great leadership and have a ton of experience in Cara (Bonshak), Meredith (Ross), Lia (Sinisi) and Jillian (Mohan)," Knull said. "Our freshmen class is going to provide depth for us in many lines. They provide a lot of flexibility for us and give us options in different positions, some goals and some solid defense."
Senior forward Lia Sinisi (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) is MSU's leading returning scorer, with seven goals last season, while sophomore defender Nienke Bloemsaat (Oosterhout, The Netherlands/Sini-Delbert Gymnasium) was third on the team with five goals and three assists for 13 points. Senior forward Meredith Ross (Berwyn, Pa./Conestoga) was fourth on the team last year with four goals and one assist (nine points), while senior midfielder Cara Bonshak (Whitehall, Pa./Whitehall), a captain in 2019, led the team with seven assists.
Junior goalie Jade Arundell (County Kildare, Ireland/The Kings Hospital) started all 18 games last year and finished the season with 142 saves. She led the Big Ten in saves and save per game (7.9), which ranked No. 6 in the country.
Bonshak, Ross and sophomore midfielder Merel Hanssen (Maastricht, The Netherlands/Elzendaal College Boxmeer) were all selected t to the Preseason All-Big Ten team.
For Knull and her team, the Spartans are just excited to get the chance to get out and start their season.
"It's been challenging because we've had to learn to be flexible," Knull said. "We've been working on this for 15 months now. We have told our team to be where your feet are, control what we can today and be prepared for anything.
"We're excited to travel together, spend time together and to see and compete against our Big Ten peers. The freshmen have been waiting for this opportunity since they committed to MSU and it's great to finally have it here."
MSU Spartans media release
Field Hockey Set to Open Spring Season at Drexel on Sunday
The Saint Joseph's field hockey team is set for its first action in nearly 16 months as the Hawks head to Drexel on Sunday for the Spring 2021 season opener.
The head coach of the Hawks, Lynn Farquhar, shared her insights into what she's seen thus far out of the three-time defending Atlantic 10 champions as they prepare for a season unlike any other.
Obviously, things are a little different, playing a condensed season in the spring, but what have you done as a staff to try and make things as normal as possible for the team?
LF: There's no such thing as normal in a COVID-19 world, so we addressed it head-on. We are incredibly fortunate to have a talented group of student-athletes who have been unbelievably mature, resilient, and positive with the situation. As a staff we're trying to prepare our young women as best as possible for what life may throw our way. I have never had to be so creative in our training plans or chipped away ice on turf! It has demanded a lot out of our players group and newly named coach, Alyssa Parker. Their attitudes and drive have inspired me to be better as we tackle the moments. Our mission is to stay strong together.
The Hawks graduated a lot of experience after the 2019 season; who do you see making a step forward to help take on the challenge in the spring of 2021?
LF: Our team will take the step forward. We've had some incredibly talented women graduate from Hawk Hill and if you ask any of them, including our All-Americans or Honda Award finalist why or how they took their step forward, I guarantee they'll refer to the team and playing for something greater than self. Jordan Olenginski, Nicholl Fenton, and Cassidy Atchison already stepped up as captains. Their fellow seniors, Emily Peters and Sara Hayes, have the largest hearts and our young team is full of fight and personality. Katy Benton returned crushing all of our fitness standards and Robin Bleekemolen is filling big shoes protecting our house singlehandedly. I'm excited for them.
You've brought in another talented class of newcomers; what do you expect to see out of the newest Hawks?
LF: Our current freshmen have worked hard to get here and will continue to grow. They have the capability to be immediate difference makers.
Do you think the altered scheduling and championship format in the Atlantic 10 will have a major effect on the season? If so, in what way?
LF: We have no idea what the season is going to look like. We do know we're committed to bettering ourselves and will strive as a team to accomplish our goals. Although the fluidity and uncertainty of what each day brings are out of our control, this group has used it as fuel.
What do you think will be the biggest difference-maker as the Hawks pursue another Atlantic 10 title?
LF: Keeping our heads up and feeling 'the power of team' is key. With time together and a place to train, we'll figure it out.
The Hawks visit Drexel at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, and will host Syracuse in their home opener on March 7.
SJU Hawks media release
‘Hockey can be more visible with the right creativity’
By Rod Gilmour
Her ‘street’ art may be adorned on a Somerset barn wall, but Lily Webb’s depiction of two British stars shows that hockey can be more visible through creativity.
Art-lover Lily, 17, took to the walls with plenty of time to kill over last summer as she first painted Lily Owsley and then Phil Roper to social media acclaim.
“I wanted to try something I hadn’t done before,” said Lily, “then I saw a tweet from Brendan Creed about hockey street art. I thought it was a really cool idea and I love art, so I wanted to try it. I also thought black and white paint would make it look a bit like a Banksy.
“I chose Lily because she’s a ridiculously skilful player. Both paintings are done in an old barn in Somerset, across the road from where I live – so not exactly Urban Art. It took me just over two weeks to paint Lily, although it took far longer to paint her than Phil as I hadn’t done it before so I was learning as I went along. I was shocked by the reaction to be honest. When I put it up I never expected that many people to see it.”
Outside of her talent for paint, Lily plays for Clifton Robinsons HC and is currently trialling for England under-18s. Further afield, she has signed to attend Princeton University in the US next year.
“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to move across the world to play hockey,” she said. “Princeton has one of the best hockey programmes in the US as well as being an amazing university so I know it will be a lot of fun.”
For now, it looks like Lily will have plenty of downtime. She added: “I have some paint left and as my exams in the summer are now cancelled, who knows. Although, I will need to come up with some new ideas.”
But what Lily has shown is that with a creative mind hockey can be more visible.
“For my age group I think how social media is run is important, particularly over the last year with everyone being at home,” said Lily. “If hockey pages are engaging and creative, say with cool photography, art or video edits, then I think people want to be part of it more.”
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