2015 Temple Field Hockey Season Outlook

PHILADELPHIA - The lasting memories of a season ago include both jubilation and some frustration for the veterans of the nationally ranked Temple field hockey team, but that sizable and experienced group may have just what it needs to reach the next rung of success in 2015. Under the inspired and enthusiastic direction of first-year head coach Marybeth Freeman and her staff, the Owls are hoping to gain that slight edge they need to reach their goals.

"The 2015 season is going to be an excellent opportunity to showcase all the new and exciting things we implemented during the spring season," said Freeman, "along with things we will continue to focus on in the preseason. The returning group has been extremely dedicated to enhancing their strength and conditioning, and are focused on the program's future hockey goals. The incoming class is energized and eager to join the solid foundation of TUFH."

The Owls' senior class is an impressive group of 10 this year, and eight of 11 starters return from last season. Senior and All-Region/All-BIG EAST selection Alyssa Delp will help lead the offense in 2015, along with senior Tricia Light and junior Katie Foran.

Senior Sarah Deck is a powerhouse in the midfield, where the Owls also expect to get major contributions from junior Paige Gross and sophomores Maiyah Brown and Rachael Mueller. Seniors Taylor Shronk and Rachel Steinman anchor the backfield, with senior Haley Mitchell leading the goalkeeping position after a strong spring season.

The incoming class, made up of five freshmen, rounds out the 26-member roster full of talent, leadership and a strong work ethic.

"Everyone on this team has a role," said Freeman. "Having a role provides each team member the opportunity to service the team in a positive way. The foundation is laid and there are many opportunities this season to be successful in a variety of different areas. I know our student-athletes will continue to represent Temple University and our field hockey program in a positive way as we get ready to step onto the national stage."

When Freeman was hired in March to lead the Owls, she set about compiling a staff that would share her vision and help the program reach its goals.

"Having a new hockey staff is an exciting piece to the 2015 program," said Freeman. "Roz Ellis, a highly successful, experienced and knowledgeable backfield player and coach, will work directly with our deep defenders. Katie Gerzabek, a recent graduate, national champion and decorated attacker, will work hands-on with our front field players. Carissa Vittese, our director of operations, will provide our staff with valuable hockey feedback and will ensure everyone has everything needed to be successful off the field. We also have Molly Doyle returning as our volunteer assistant who brings her knowledge of Temple's rich tradition of hockey excellence. I couldn't be happier with the positional balance and diverse hockey mindsets within our staff."

The schedule line-up for the 2015 season includes six other nationally-ranked programs. The Owls will play a total of 19 regular-season contests, with five of those being part of their BIG EAST Conference schedule.

"We're excited for our highly competitive 2015 season to get underway," said Freeman. "Coming off a successful spring season and with our new group coming in, this squad is up for the challenges this fall.

"In order to be better, we will continue to compete against other top teams in the country. Our schedule is set up to best prepare us for our conference tournament and beyond, however, we realize each game is vital to our overall team success."

The Owls will open the fall slate with the annual Conference Cup Tournament which they will host along with Maryland. The Terrapins, ranked second in the final poll of last season, will be the Owls' first opponent in a 3:00 p.m. home contest on Friday, Aug. 28.

Saint Joseph's and Towson will play at Geasey Field later that day as well, and all four teams will head to College Park two days later for the second and final day of the tournament. Temple will face Towson in its second game, set for noon on Sunday, Aug. 30.

The Owls' third game on Sept. 4 pits them against another strong rival, as they travel to Penn State, ranked sixth at the end of last season. The rest of the month is well-balanced with home and away games, including a home contest against powerhouse Northwestern on Sept. 20. The Wildcats, who were ranked seventh in the final poll of last year, have not played the Owls since 1999.

Other September games include match-ups with local and regional rivals Saint Joseph's (at home on Sept. 7), Delaware (on the road Sept. 11) and Penn (at home Sept. 13).

The month of September concludes with road games at James Madison and American before the Owls begin BIG EAST play at Old Dominion on Oct. 2. The nationally ranked Monarchs got the best of the Owls in last season's regular season meeting, but Temple got revenge with a 2-1 win in the BIG EAST Semifinals.

Two-time defending national champ UConn will visit Geasey Field on Friday, Oct. 9 in Temple's BIG EAST home opener. The Owls narrowly lost at home to the Huskies in 2014, and suffered a second loss in the BIG EAST Championship to the eventual national champs.

The middle of October has Temple heading to BIG EAST rival Providence as well as local rival Drexel, and the Owls return home on Friday, Oct. 23 for their final home game against Georgetown. Temple has a senior class of 10 members for the 2015 season, all of whom will be honored that day.

The regular season concludes with a non-conference game at Lafayette on Oct. 25 as well as the BIG EAST finale at Villanova on Oct. 31.

The four-team BIG EAST Tournament is set for Friday and Sunday, Nov. 6 and 8, at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. The NCAA Tournament semifinals and championship game will be held at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Temple University Athletics

2015 Temple Field Hockey Season Outlook

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Players Mentioned

Maiyah Brown

Sarah Deck

Alyssa Delp

Katie Foran

Paige Gross

Tricia Light

Haley Mitchell

Rachael Mueller

Taylor Shronk

Rachel Steinman

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