BIDDEFORD — The Commonwealth Coast Conference released its preseason poll for field hockey on Monday, with the University of New England ranked at the top. The Nor’easters received four first-place votes to edge out Endicott in the poll voted on by the league’s coaches.
“I think it says a lot about the program,” said UNE field hockey coach Dani Ryder. “I also think it is really important for the girls, too, because they put so much time in.”
UNE finished last season tied at the top of the conference standings with Endicott, but was bested by the Gulls in the conference title game. The two teams could meet again for the conference crown if the coaches’ predictions prove to be accurate.
Ryder said he doesn’t think the ranking puts any more pressure on the team, who already have high hopes.
“I think our team has the right mentality, where it’s not a pressure. I think they set that standard on themselves. With or without that ranking, they would expect that out of their performance,” said Ryder. “I think it’s more of an encouragement, and something to kind of light a bit more of a fire, because it says a lot when your conference thinks that you should be the preseason favorite.”
Going into just her second year as head coach, Ryder has already pointed the program in the right direction. The team has been ranked first in the preseason poll in both her seasons, made it to the conference championship game, and won a program-best 18 games last year. Ryder, however gives all the credit to the players.
“Without the team that we have, we wouldn’t be able to (be successful). They’re very receptive to just getting on board, and focusing on each game, each season,” said Ryder. “Obviously, as a coach you always want to be successful, so it’s rewarding. But you have to have the team that’s willing to work with you to be that successful.”
The Nor’easters open conference play on Sept. 15 against Western New England, and play Endicott on the road on Sept. 29 and at home on Oct. 17. If they live up to their preseason ranking, the Nor’easters could find themselves in the CCC championship game on Nov. 11.
— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323.
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