On Nov. 9th, Drexel’s Field Hockey team finished its most successful season in recent history with a 3-2 victory against Monmouth in the Coastal Athletic Association Championship game. This marks the team’s first championship title since 2012 and earned them a bid to the NCAA Field Hockey Tournament.
The Dragons ended their regular season in 2nd place in the CAA conference with a record of 13-7. Drexel earned the third seed in the conference tournament and beat Northeastern 3-2 in the opening round. The upset against Monmouth placed the Dragons at a 31st national ranking heading into the NCAA tournament.
During the NCAA tournament on Nov. 12th, Drexel faced a familiar opponent in Saint Joseph’s. This game was a rematch from earlier in the season, when Drexel upset the #20 Hawks 3-2. However, Wednesday’s match did not fall in the Dragon’s favor, as Saint Joseph’s won 2-0. They will advance to play against the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday, Nov. 14th.
Within the CAA, numerous players earned awards and recognition. Most notably, Valentine Van Hellemont won the CAA Player of the Year for the second year in a row. The junior from Belgium scored eight goals and recorded 12 assists. Her efforts during the tournament also earned her tournament MVP.
Natali Foster took home the CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year award. Foster started in all 21 games this season, leading the team with 1266 minutes. At the tournament, she joined Van Hellemont, Anna Castaldo, and Marti Sanabria on the All-Tournament Team.
The Dragon’s impressive regular-season play was due in part to numerous talented players who were honored by the conference. Van Hellemont, Foster, and Pili Lemoine earned recognition on the CAA First Team. Castaldo and Fleur Hamers were named to the CAA Second Team. Finally, Florienne Bosdijk, along with Hamers, was selected to the CAA All-Rookie Team.
Head coach Denise Zelenak’s 31st season has proven to be a successful one, as Drexel has cemented itself as a top-tier field hockey program nationally. Throughout the season, Drexel won games against ranked teams and held their own against major opponents. Expectations for next season are high, as the team will hope to become repeat champions and return to the NCAA tournament.