Field hockey announces schedule | The Triangle

Field hockey announces schedule

Drexel field hockey gears up for a tougher schedule than last year’s, especially with the departure of their leading scorer.

Drexel field hockey is looking to build off a very strong season as they prepare to face St. Joseph’s University in the season opener Aug. 26 at Vidas Field after defeating the Hawks 7-1 at Vidas early last season.

The Dragons are coming off of a season where they finished 15-5 including a 7-1 record throughout their Colonial Athletic Association schedule. This upcoming season looks to be a challenge for the Dragons as they have a lot of steep competition coming their way — not to mention the fact that last year’s team leader, forward Christina Mastropaolo, who also earned the title of CAA Player of the Year two years in a row, has moved on after four stellar years as a Dragon. The Harleysville, Pa., native finished her career as Drexel’s all-time leader in goals scored (60), game winning goals (19) and total points (146), which will certainly make her a tough person to replace.

The team did say they wanted to challenge themselves and make sure they prove to everyone that they are still one of the best teams in the conference, even without Mastropaolo. The only way to prove this to others and yourself is to go up against some of the best in the country.

That test will be no more evident than when they face off against defending national champions University of Maryland Oct. 26 in the toughest match of the season on the road in College Park, Md., as the Dragons lost to the Terrapins 2-4 at home in 2010.

Other notable matches on their schedule include a battle against Duke Sept. 9 at a neutral location (albeit familiar turf) at the University of Delaware — Drexel dropped a tight one to the Blue Devils in 2010, losing 1-2 in overtime — as well as a face off against Louisville Oct. 16 at Vidas. Additionally, they will face a tough competitor on the road at the University of Connecticut Sep. 11 in the non-conference schedule — the Dragons were shutout at Vidas 0-4 by the Huskies last year.

They have eight conference matches squared up including four at home and four on the road. The biggest home game of the season will be when the Cardinals visit Vidas Field Oct. 16.

The team hopes the strong season they had last year will help to propel them toward this season, and if they work hard enough it will produce the results they are looking for — thus proving they can continue to be a consistent power within the CAA as well as the NCAA.

The Dragons will close out the season Oct. 30 on Vidas Field for Senior Day against CAA rival Hofstra as Drexel will try to send their seniors out on top. The Blue and Gold topped the Pride 5-2 at home in 2010 and will look for more of the same.