For the fifth straight week, the Hofstra Field Hockey team received votes in the STX/NFHCA Division I Field Hockey National Coaches Poll.  Despite this past weekend's loss to Columbia, the field hockey team continued to receive votes in this week's national poll.

The Pride post a 10-4 overall record (3-1 in CAA) with three of those losses coming to nationally ranked teams. 

For the fifth year in a row, the Pride has earned at least 10 wins in a single season, with each year's record improving (10-9/2002, 12-8/2003, 13-8/2004) since 2002.   Also, the Pride has already tied their Colonial Conference Association win record with three (2004). 

The Pride's record and respect in the national poll reflects the great play of key players such as sophomore forward Pemba Ramdoo and the core of juniors Kara McEneaney, Leslie DeSimone, Doni-Melissa Jantzen, and Jessica Cowperthwait.  Ramdoo has already set a personal best in both goals (8) and assists (4).  DeSimone and McEneaney add four goals each, while Jantzen had three for the year.  In goal, Cowperthwait has earned 50 saves and included two shutouts against Syracuse and Princeton. 

Also, the Pride's solid defense, which is anchored by junior Sekayi Liburd, senior Katherine Kotowski, and sophomore's Ayanna McClean and Shannon Alexander has done an excellent job of helping keeping opponents to only 19 goals on 111 shots.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Pride has been the play from freshmen forwards Brit Blankmeyer and Charlia Warner who have combined for 11 goals and two assists this season.

The Pride is back in action this Friday for CAA play as it takes on the Tribe from William & Mary at 7 p.m. at Shuart Stadium.  Then, on Sunday, Hofstra will celebrate its Senior Day as it takes on Old Dominion at 12 p.m. also at home.  Prior to the game seniors Melanie Williams, Katherine Kotowski, and Sekayi Liburd will be honored.