MANAHAWKIN, N.J. – The App State field hockey team has earned the No. 17 ranking in the Penn Monto/NFHCA Week 4 Coaches Poll, the organization announced on Tuesday. This is the first national ranking in program history for the Mountaineers, who currently hold an 8-1 overall record and are undefeated in conference play (3-0).
"What a great honor for our team, past and present," said head coach Emily Dinsmore. "We always say the little things add up to the big things and to be in the top 20 has always been one of our goals. This team continues to work hard and has a growth mindset, they are never satisfied and that's what makes them great."
The ranking follows an impressive weekend against Bellarmine and No. 18 James Madison, with the team taking wins in both contests. The Mountaineers were victorious in overtime against the Dukes, with a goal from Lise Boekaar sealing the win. The win over the Dukes marked App State's second ranked win in the last three seasons (No. 8 Louisville in 2023).
App State is among the best teams in the nation in several statistical categories entering this week's action, as it sits in a tie for first in goals per game (4.11), second in scoring average (4.63) and points per game (11.22), fourth in scoring margin (2.88) and seventh in winning percentage. Individually, Boekaar leads the country in assists per game (1.88) and is second in points per game (4.13).
The Mountaineers will look to continue their momentum by hosting Miami (Ohio) on Friday and another ranked opponent, No. 6 Liberty, on Sunday. First touch at the Dr. Jan C. Watson Field at the Brandon & Erica M. Adcock Field Hockey Complex is slated for 3 p.m. Friday and noon Sunday.
