Making a name for themselves last season, the Rams have much to prove in the 2018 season. The Lady Rams’ previous season was one for the record books as it was their first PSAC Championship appearance since 2014.
West Chester came in fourth in the preseason poll. The Rams came in behind Shippensburg, Millersville and East Stroudsburg University.
First Team All-American senior Kaitlin Hatch led the Rams in goals with 18 last season. Hatch will be a key returning player to watch this season. On the defensive half, Second Team All-American senior Taylor Bracale is also one to keep an eye on. Bracale led the Rams defense, who held the PSAC with only 1.05 GA (goals against) on the season.
The Rams also welcome a transfer onto the team this season: sophomore Emma Velez transferred from University of Delaware, along with seven new freshman joining the Ram’s squad.
“On the defensive half, Second Team All-American senior Taylor Bracale is also one to keep an eye on. Bracale led the Rams defense who held the PSAC with only 1.05 goals against on the season.”
Off the field, the West Chester Rams have also been making a name for themselves.
During the offseason, The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) put out their 2017 ZAG Field Hockey/NFHCA Division II Scholars of Distinction, and four Golden Rams earned this honor. This program honors student athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher through the first semester of the 2017-18 academic year. Domenique Catalano, Marre Corver, Marissa Elizardo and Kelsey Munster all received this honor.
Additionally, the Golden Rams were recognized as one of the 27 teams whose programs earned a GPA of 3.30 or higher during the Fall Semester of 2017-18 academic year.
The Rams won’t return to Vonnie Gross until the end of the month for their home opener. The home opener will be on Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. against Slippery Rock University.
However, to kick their season off, the Rams travelled to Massachusetts to face Stonehill College and Bentley University.
On Saturday, the Rams faced Stonehill College with a 12 o’clock start time.
The Rams were outscored 2-1 during the match against the Stonehill Skyhawks. Hatch put up the one and only goals for the Rams. Junior midfielder Katie Thompson and Hatch led the team with three shots on goal.
The Ram’s next match is at Bentley University against the Bentley Falcons. The Rams and Falcons will face off at 12 p.m. on Monday.
Jordan Zimmerman is a second-year student with an undeclared major. ✉ JZ885480@wcupa.edu.