Field Hockey Preseason Underway

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A new era in Syracuse field hockey began this week as the Orange, coming off its Final Four run a season ago, began preseason camp in a new conference and with many new faces.

Head coach Ange Bradley's squad reported to campus on Tuesday for meetings, physicals and equipment issue before opening practice on Wednesday as it prepares for its season opener Aug. 30 against Quinnipiac in Hempstead, N.Y. The Orange makes its debut in the ACC, by far field hockey's premier conference, on Sept. 20 at Boston College.

With the loss of six graduating seniors from 2012's Orange team that went 19-3, was ranked No. 1 in the country for three straight weeks, won the BIG EAST regular season title in its final season in the conference and advanced to the program's second Final Four, Bradley has restocked the SU roster with nine talented freshmen and 11 new players in all.

With so many new faces, early season practices are vital to forming the on-field chemistry that made the Orange such a potent offense and stingy defense a year ago. The Orange ranked fourth in the country in goals per game (3.91) and third in shutouts (.36 per game).

Despite the large number of newcomers, Bradley returns a very strong core of veterans looking to take over the leadership role and lead the Orange to new heights in 2013.

Senior back Laura Hahnefeldt, a 2012 first-team All-American and the Mid-East Region Player of the Year returns to lead a defense that also includes senior Anna Crumb, who started in all 22 games last season.

In the midfield, senior Leonie Geyer leads an experienced line. Despite playing through injuries in 2012, she was the BIG EAST's lone unanimous All-Conference selection as finished with eight goals and seven assists. She is joined by junior Jordan Page, who was second on the team in points with 30, including a team-high 12 assists last year, and sophomore Alyssa Manley, who proved her value last season as a rookie with four goals and four assists.

Up front, junior Lauren Brooks is SU's top returning goal scorer with 12 last year, giving her 16 for her career. She is joined on the forward line by sophomore Emma Russell. As a freshman in 2012, the Ireland native scored nine goals, five of which were game-winners, tops on the club.

Check back to SUathletics.com throughout the preseason as we take a closer look at the Orange as it prepares for a season to remember. You can also follow Syracuse field hockey via social media: on Facebook at /SUFieldHockey and Twitter @CuseFH.

Syracuse University Athletics

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