SPORTS
Field Hockey Enters A-10 Play Friday Against UMass
Wildcat goalie Cato Roell stretched out to earn a save on this shot on goal by Bellarmine.
This week’s return to action also marks the return of Atlantic 10 field hockey for the Davidson Wildcats.
Davidson (2-3) will host the No. 21 UMass Minutewomen at Belk Turf Field Friday at 6 p.m.
From here, the Wildcats have 13 games remaining on the schedule, with seven of them against league opponents.
“As we head into conference play, it is always exciting because we have a fresh slate,” said Davidson coach Zoe Almquist. “It is a new season within a season. We have aspirations to work toward the A-10 Tournament, and Friday marks the first step along toward that goal with our fall ’21 team. I think the work we have put in so far has really prepared us for this opportunity, and we are grateful for the chance to compete in a strong and dynamic conference!”
In the spring, Davidson went 2-4 against A-10 opponents, securing both wins against Saint Louis. UMass won the teams’ last meeting, 3-1 on Oct. 11, 2019.
The eight-team A-10 currently has two teams ranked in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Top 25 poll, led by No. 9 Saint Joseph’s, which knocked off No. 4 North Carolina and No. 8 Rutgers last week.
LAST TIME OUT
In their most recent outing, the Wildcats scored twice in a span of less than two minutes of the third quarter to roll past Bellarmine 3-1 Sept. 12.
Abby Pompeo scored the go-ahead goal and assisted on the next, a score by Natalie Naticchia. Anna Sharp had the first Davidson goal, and Charlie Kabelac and Macy Curtis had assists.
The Wildcats continued to show an improved offensive attack, earning 16 corners.
“This season has shown a group hungry to learn and improve, and every day we walk out on the field we’ve gotten a little better,” said Almquist. “We’ve been working on embracing the journey, and I think our team has done just that. We are working hard to support each other as we compete on the field, and it is a joy to see them come together each and every day.”
SCOUTING THE MINUTEWOMEN
UMass is 4-2 following two losses last weekend, including 1-0 to No. 8 Maryland and 3-2 in overtime to American.
Two UMass midfielders, Jess Beech and Georgie McTear, were named to the A-10 Preseason All-Conference Team.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats will visit non-conference foe Appalachian State Sunday at 12 p.m. The Mountaineers are 2-3 entering Friday’s game with Miami (Ohio).