Field Hockey Selected Second in the MAC
8/16/2016 12:08:00 PM | Field Hockey
The seven coaches of the Mid-American Conference have picked Kent State to finish second overall in the 2016 preseason poll.
The Golden Flashes tied with Miami with three first place votes and finished one overall vote shy of being picked as league favorites. Ohio was picked third and had one vote to win the tournament title. Rounding out the regular season predictions are Longwood, Missouri State, Central Michigan and Ball State.
Kent State has become the premier program in the MAC as it has won both the regular season and tournament in back-to-back years. Field hockey has 12 MAC Championships in the part 11 seasons.
The 2016 team will return a strong contingent with the loss of just two regular starters from 2015. The forward line, midfield and goalkeeping starters are all seasoned returners. A talented class of newcomers will also bolster the lineup.
The season will begin at home on Friday, August 26 when Kent State hosts Michigan State at 12 p.m. followed by another noon contest the following day against Villanova. As the reigning regular season champions, the Golden Flashes will host the 2016 MAC Tournament at Murphy-Mellis Field November 4-5.
2016 MAC Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Miami (3)
2. Kent State (3)
3. Ohio (1)
4. Longwood
5. Missouri State
6. Central Michigan
7. Ball State
MAC Tournament Champion: Kent State (3), Miami (3), Ohio (1)
