ANNVILLE, Pa (Aug. 20, 2025) -- The DeSales University women's field hockey team has been picked fourth in the MAC Freedom preseason coaches poll, released by the conference office Wednesday morning.  

The Bulldogs totaled 32 points, seven behind Arcadia and Lebanon Valley which were tied for second. Stevens was named the MAC Freedom preseason favorite, earning all seven place votes. 

DeSales finished 9-10 overall and 5-2 in MAC Freedom play last season. The Bulldogs won five of their last six games before a loss to Stevens in the MAC Freedom Semifinals.  

Junior goalkeeper Alyssa Schlossman returns to the lineup after earning All-MAC Freedom Second-Team honors last season. She started 18 games and finished the season with 161 saves, a 2.92 GAA, and recorded two shutouts in goal. 

Senior Nikki Chiaradia also returns after also earning All-MAC Freedom Second-Team honors last season. She finished the year with three goals and four assists for 10 points. Senior Morgan Benner returns after missing the 2024 season due to injury. In 2023, she earned All-MAC Freedom First Team honors, started 18 games, and recorded five goals and two assists.  

Head coach Cayla Andrews returns for her second season on the sidelines. Last year, she led the Bulldogs to a 9-10 record and a berth in the MAC Freedom Tournament.  

DeSales opens the 2025 season with a stretch of home games, beginning with Moravian University Aug. 30. MAC Freedom play begins of Oct. 11 when the Bulldogs host Misericordia.  

MAC Freedom Preseason Polls (first place votes) 

1 – Stevens – 49  points (7) 

T2 – Lebanon Valley – 39 points  

T2 – Arcadia – 39 points  

4 – DeSales – 32 points  

5 – Misericordia – 25 points  

6 – FDU Florham – 18 points  

7 – Delaware Valley – 14 points  

8 – King's – 8 points