Annville, PA, (August 26, 2010) – Despite finishing sixth in the standings last season, returning four of its top five scorers, and nine of its 11 starters, the DeSales University field hockey team was disappointingly picked to finish eighth in the Freedom Conference pre-season poll as released by the conference office on Thursday morning and as voted on by the eight Freedom Conference coaches.

The Bulldogs totaled 12 points, just two points behind Manhattanville College in seventh place and three points behind Misericordia University in sixth place. Eastern University took home the top spot with 49 points and seven first-place votes, while King's College was second with 42 points and one first-place vote. Delaware Valley College was third with 33 points, Wilkes University fourth with 31 points, and FDU-Florham was fifth with 28 points.

DSU finished the 2009 season with an 8-11 overall record and a 2-5 mark in the Freedom Conference. The Bulldogs finished the year with a 3-0 win over Misericordia University and a 3-2 win over King's College. Head coach Sarah Fosdick returns for her third season having posted a 15-23 (.395) record in her first two years.

Among the top returnees are senior Jamie Matthews (Gilbertsville, PA/Boyertown) who led the team in scoring with nine goals and five assists for 23 points last season. Senior Kelsey Strowhouer (Wilmington, DE/Brandywine) ranked second on the team with seven goals and five assists for 19 points and senior Amy Pulcini (Easton, PA/Easton) also returns after totaling six goals and an assist for 13 points last season.

Sophomore Alyssa Knappenberger (Lehighton, PA/Lehighton) tied for the team lead with five assists last season and returns to the midfield, while junior Carla Nunez (Bushkill, PA/East Stroudsburg North) (1g, 2a, 4 pts.) also returns in the midfield. Sophomore Victoria DelToro (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty) will be the starting goalkeeper after putting up excellent numbers as frehman including 107 saves, a 2.34 GAA, and three shutouts.

The Bulldogs open the 2010 season on Wednesday, September 1st when they host local rival Moravian College in a non-conference game beginning at 4:00 pm.

Freedom Conference Pre-Season Poll (first place votes)
1 – Eastern University – 49 points (7)
2 – King's College – 42 points (1)
3 – Delaware Valley College – 33 points
4 – Wilkes University – 31 points
5 – FDU-Florham – 28 points
6 – Misericordia University – 15 points
7 – Manhattanville College – 14 points
8 – DeSales University – 12 points