RELEASE DATE: 8/21/07
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mansfield Field Hockey Ranked #8 in Nation in 2007 STX/NFHCA Division II Preseason Poll – Mounties open 2007 campaign on the road this Friday and Saturday

MANSFIELD --  The Mansfield University field hockey team is ranked #8 in the nation in the 2007 STX/NFHCA NCAA Division II Preseason Poll released today.

It marks the highest preseason ranking in school history for the Mountaineers who finished #9 in the country last season after posting a 11-10. All 10 losses come to nationally ranked teams.

“I’m pleased the players and the program are getting  recognition,” said head coach Diane Monkiewicz. “We all know that preseason polls are based on last year’s accomplishments. The important thing is to live up to those expectations and we’re going to find out very quickly just how good we are.”

The Mountaineers open their 18-game 2007 season this weekend when they meet Bellarmine College in Columbus, OH on Friday before facing Mercyhurst College in Erie on Saturday. The home opener is on Sept. 2 against Bryant College.

2007 STX/NFHCA NCAA Division II Preseason Poll

1.            Bloomsburg University                                 
2.            U-MASS Lowell                                                
3.            Bentley College          
tie           Shippensburg University                             
5.            Indiana University of PA                                             
6.            Stonehill College                                            
7.            East Stroudsburg University                       
8.            Mansfield University                                    
9.            Saint Michael’s College                                
10.          Kutztown University