In the inaugural South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, Maha Clarke her Queens University of Charlotte Field Hockey teammates have been voted to finish second behind Limestone College.
Limestone received 59 points and four first-place votes while Queens totaled 53 points and one first-place vote.
"We are very excited to be able to compete this year for a conference championship," Queens head coach Brandi Kist stated. "This gives our program another goal to work towards and to have the opportunity to compete in the conference tournament which enhances the experience for all our teams. It is fun to establish more regional rivalries as well as support each other in our non-conference pursuits. The growth of our programs and now the addition of South Atlantic Conference Carolinas field hockey will provide greater exposure for our sport in our region and help grow the game."
After completing two seasons of play without a conference, the Royals will be able to compete for a league championship and have strengthened their chances at making it to the NCAA Championships. Queens finished its inaugural season with a 9-7 record making them the first program across all divisions to post a winning record in their first season of play. In year two, the Royals were 6-11 winning five out of seven home games at Bessant Field.
This season the Royals will face multiple opponents that were ranked in the top-10 in the nation last season, including No. 6 and national quarterfinalists, Millersville, No. 8 Lindenwood, and No. 9 Bloomsburg.
Queens returns leading goal scorer Mazvita Mtisi who totaled 10 goals and six assists. The junior has led the program in scoring for two straight seasons. Renee Smith, who trailed Mtisi with eight goals, also returns along with Jill Sherman, who recorded 10 points a season ago.
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