POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – An experienced group highlights the 2018 Brewers field hockey team, with three all-region and four all-conference upperclassmen players returning. Vassar begins action on Fri. Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. by facing Manhattanville in the opening game of the Betty Richey Tournament.
 
Looking Back
Vassar picked up its fifth-consecutive 10-win season in 2017, going 11-7 overall and qualifying for the Liberty League Tournament. Juniors Monica Feeley (Harrisburg, PA), Megan Caveny (Cicero, NY) and sophomore Christina Lopez (Timonium, MD) were named to the 2017 NFHCA North Atlantic All-Region team in addition to their All-Liberty League honors. Liz Rotolo (Lebanon, NJ) also picked up All-Liberty League Honorable Mention for her play in 2017.
 
Moving Ahead
Vassar was selected No. 3 in the Liberty League Preseason Coaches Poll, earning one first-place vote as well.  Ten starters return with the addition of three newcomers. Caveny looks to spark the Vassar offense, scoring 15 goals in 2017, while fellow senior Emily Poehlein (Northampton, MA) tacked on 10 for second on the team.
 
The Brewers had a strong defense, allowing a league-low 22 goals last season. In net, Rotolo played in all 18 games for Vassar, earning the starting assignment in 16 of those contests, making 66 saves while posting two solo shutouts and helping with three others. Rotolo registered a Liberty League leading 1.22 goals against average, while adding a .776 save percentage.
 
Freshmen Carina D'Souza (Mountain Top, PA), Sophie McGrath (Yarmouth, ME) and Heidi Zahnleuter (Clifton Park, NY) look to add some depth to the defense and midfield.
 
Betty Richey Tournament
The Vassar College field hockey program is looking for its fifth-consecutive Betty Richey Tournament title after defeating SUNY Geneseo last season. After Vassar plays Manhattanville, Marywood faces SUNY Geneseo at 6 p.m. Action resumes the next day with the consolation game starting at 1 p.m., with the title game at 3:30 p.m.