MERION STATION, Pa. – The Saint Joseph's field hockey team, ranked 20th in the NFHCA Division I Preseason Coaches Poll, is set to open its fall 2021 campaign on Friday when the Hawks host Fairfield at Ellen Ryan Field.  Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the Hawks will visit ninth-ranked Maryland for their first road trip of the season.  The game with the Terrapins is set for a 2:00 p.m. start.

#20 Saint Joseph's vs. Fairfield
Friday, August 27 • 4:00 p.m. • Ellen Ryan Field
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#20 Saint Joseph's at #9 Maryland
Sunday, August 29 • 2:00 p.m. • College Park, Md.
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Prior to the start of the season, head coach Lynn Farquhar and captains Cassidy Atchison, Nicholl Fenton, and Manon van Weezel shared their thoughts on what to expect as the Hawks pursue their fourth Atlantic 10 title in the last five seasons.

You're getting back in the routine of a fall season; what's been the most important focus for your team? 
"The most important focus for our team has been to just compete every day," Fenton said.  "We do our best work in competitive settings and it has been imperative to train the way we want to play. We have really focused on maintaining a high training speed paired with our traditional Hawk values."

Have you noticed anything in preseason you'd like to feed off of as the competitive season starts?
"I think the minute this team stepped on the field for preseason, it became clear we were ready to attack this upcoming season," van Weezel said.  "The team is super fit, with a lot of team members getting personal bests on the fitness tests.  Especially after the uncertainty due to COVID-19 last season, we've shown grit and hard work this preseason.  We're working with each other and for each other.  After lots of great battles and turf burns, this team is ready to make some amazing things happen this season!"

There are 12 newcomers to the roster this season; what are you expecting to see out of the new players and your returning Hawks?
"This year's team has a great balance of a core returning group and an exciting group of newcomers," Atchison explained.  "The returners bring experience, passion and strong drive for the program and our goals.  Combining that with an exciting new group that brings new skills, solid knowledge of the game, and a fiery intensity results in Team 47 [the 47th team in program history]!  The personnel this year is multidimensional. We've had a lot of growth from the returners which is complimented by a spark from the newcomers.  I believe the sky's the limit for this team and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season."

In a normal year, you play in the fall and then have an offseason program in the spring.  Have you noticed a difference so far since the spring was your competitive season last year?
"Our student-athletes are typically drawn to rituals and routines; I give so much credit to these young women as they have embraced change and really focused on controllable things," Farquhar said.  "Our preparation on and off the pitch as student-athletes has been incredibly different for over a year; however, our focus here on Hawk Hill is to 'find a way.'  The attitude and excitement our team has will be something we continue to build from as we strive to reach our desired game speed level and sharpen our decision-making skills."
 
There is a good mix of veteran experience and new talent on the roster; how are you able to blend that into one cohesive group?  Is there anyone you're counting on from the returning players to step up as a leader with the group, either on the field or off?
"We have great leadership returning in our veterans who are welcoming all newcomers to dive in," Farquhar explained.  "Our past has taught us that success lies in our commitment to the present/current team and our willingness to come together regardless of age or experience.  Our players and coaches have selected fantastic captains to navigate this team; Nicholl, Cassidy, and Manon bring maturity and initiative.  Fellow upperclassmen Katy Benton, Anna Miller, and Katie Karpinski have  demonstrated tremendous commitment and competitive effort leading by example.  I've also been thrilled to see how ambitious and strong our newcomers have started off.  We have a diverse set of skill sets with the ability to play fast."
 
The Hawks have had great success over the last five seasons; what do you think is the key to getting back on top of the Atlantic 10?
"Our success has been driven by our players group," Farquhar said.  "The key is getting them back on campus, staying healthy and working together; from there, anything can happen.  We're 'small but mighty' – the best of both worlds!"