WESTON, Mass. – The field hockey team continues its preparations for the 2021 season, led by a new head coach with a mix of veterans and newcomers.
The Pride enjoy a four-match homestand to end September and start October. With so much time in familiar surroundings, first-year head coach Hannah Richard and her players will have the opportunity to work together in improving the team's performance.
"I'm looking forward to our team just being able to play together as a unit. For our first-year and second-year student-athletes, this is their first chance to step onto the field with the juniors and seniors as a competitive team, so I'm excited for our team to work together towards our goals for the season," Richard said.
Nora Buck (Shawmut, Maine) and Hope Celli (Pembroke, Mass.) will look to lead the offense after scoring three goals apiece during the 2019 season, with Buck also dishing out a team-high four assists. On the defensive side, seniors Sarah Tetrault (North Easton, Mass.) and Kacey Thompson (Rutland, Vt.) as well as junior Hannah Schneiderman (Manchester, N.H.) will bring experience as the other players find their role on the field.
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) is now a 12-team league for field hockey with the additions of Dean College, Elms College, and University of Saint Joseph. In the 2021 GNAC Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, Regis finished in sixth place with 83 points. Four-time defending GNAC champion Saint Joseph's College earned eight first place votes and 140 points overall to end up atop the poll, followed by Lasell with three first place votes and 133 overall points.
"We want to be a strong presence within our conference, working towards a spot in the GNAC Tournament," continued Richard. "For both myself and the players, we are aiming to work hard each day and set high standards for ourselves."
The Pride will open their conference schedule at home against Lasell Saturday, Sept. 11, and will also host Saint Joseph's College during Regis Fest Saturday, Sept. 25. The top eight teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the GNAC Tournament, with the winner of the championship match Saturday, Nov. 6, earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
Click here to access the updated spectator policy for athletic events at Regis College. For instances when Pride teams are playing at another institution, please check the host school's website for their policies and expectations.