West Chester University’s field hockey team has gotten off to a fast start this year, winning four out of their first five games. This is the team’s first action since the 2019 season, due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic that wiped out the 2020 season completely.
The last time we saw the Golden Rams take the field back in 2019, they finished with an incredible 20-1 record en route to an NCAA championship victory. This was their seventh championship victory in seven appearances and their first since 2013.
The 2021 Golden Rams have many returning players from that championship team, making them one of the most experienced and decorated groups in the league. Key contributors from the 2019 squad returning to the fold this season include Emily Ingalls, Dara Spavlik, Danielle Venter and Catie McNamara. Newcomers include Valerie Van Kujick, Adriana Palumbo, Paige Wolfe and Olivia Quagliero, all of whom have made an impact on and off the field in their short time with the club.
“It feels amazing — like such a privilege to be able to play once again. We have high expectations for this team – many of whom are new players”, says senior Emily Ingalls. “Any time you win a championship you have a target on your back. We understand this and know that we have to work extra hard and not let our guard down. I am confident in every one of my teammates that we have what it takes to succeed and win another national championship.” When asked about the new additions to the team, Ingalls added, “This year, we essentially have two new classes due to the 2020 Covid shutdown. The newcomers have brought great field hockey skill, determination and grit that will definitely add to our team’s winning edge this year and years to come.” She mentioned that many of the players were anxious about getting back to routines, practices and road trips, but that team building activities and bonding led to excitement to return to the field.
All of this experience leaves the Golden Rams with high expectations for this season, which is something that they do not shy away from; after all, they were the number one seed in their championship run. After Week 1, the team was ranked second in the Division II National Coaches Poll behind a tough Shippensburg squad who narrowly defeated West Chester to hand them their first loss this season on Sept. 11.
West Chester University does not have an easy road to back to back championships, and faces a tough schedule this season including matchups with the aforementioned Shippensburg University, Kutztown University, Millersville University and East Stroudsburg University. All of these teams have gotten off to hot starts to begin the year, and will pose a threat to the Golden Rams as they begin their quest for eight championships. But the team is no stranger to competition as they are faced with a difficult schedule year in and year out.
Best of luck to our field hockey girls this season and we wish you all a successful season and good health in a time of uncertainty and a season like no other. Rams Up!
Erick Klambara is a third-year Media & Culture major with a minor in Journalism. EK924666@wcupa.edu