WINTHROP, Mass. – Coming off its best season in program history with a 16-3 record, Simmons field hockey was selected second in the 2023 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll announced on Wednesday.
Receiving a total of 149 points, including one first place vote, the Sharks blanked opponents 13 times last season and finished third in the nation in shutouts. Additionally, junior Sydney Gonyea garnered GNAC Offensive Player of the Year accolades, while finishing in the top of five of all offensive categories, nationally.
Defending GNAC Champion Johnson & Wales was chosen to finish first with 166 points, including 12 first place votes. Colby-Sawyer finished third with 135 points.
Simmons opens the season on Saturday, September 2 when they travel to UMass-Dartmouth at noon.
2023 GNAC Preseason Field Hockey Coaches' Poll
1. Johnson & Wales…..................................166 (12 First Place Votes)
2. Simmons…...............................................149 (1)
3. Colby-Sawyer…........................................135
T-4. New England College............................122
T-4. Saint Joseph's (Maine)….......................122
6. Lasell…......................................................113
7. Rivier…........................................................93
T-8. Anna Maria…............................................65
T-8. University of Saint Joseph (Conn.)...........65
10. Regis….................................................... ..60
11. Dean….......................................................35
12. Elms….......................................................34
13. Albertus Magnus…....................................24