App State picked to finish Second in Preseason Polls

CLEVELAND - Fresh off the team's first regular-season championship as a member of the league, the App State field hockey team was picked to finish second in the preseason coaches poll, the conference announced Wednesday.

This is the highest the Mountaineers have been ranked in recent history, earning a total of 49 points and a first-place vote. App State has been on an uphill climb in the preseason rankings in recent years, earning 33 votes in 2021, 39 in 2022 and 42 in 2023. 

Second-year head coach Emily Dinsmore will lead an App State squad that is coming off of a 14-5 record in the 2023 season, which tied the program record for wins in a season. Six of the top goal scorers for the Mountaineers will return for the 2024 season, as they look to build off of their historic season. The Mountaineers have also added six exciting newcomers to the team, adding depth to the squad. 

The Mountaineers ended last season atop the MAC in shutouts-per-game and save percentage, while also finishing second in goals per game and margin of victory. 

The Mountaineers are slated to begin their season on Friday, where they will face off against Towson University at 4 p.m. Prior to the game, the Mountaineers will dedicate the playing surface to the legendary Dr. Jan C. Watson, the program's founder. Admission to Dr. Jan C. Watson Field at the Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field Hockey Complex is free.