Mid-American Conference

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Mid-American Conference Field Hockey Coaches’ have selected the Kent State Golden Flashes to win the 2015 regular season title. With three (first place) votes, Kent State is also the favorite to repeat as MAC tournament champions come late October.

The Golden Flashes are coming off an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen at the 2014 NCAA Tournament, the first in program history. They look to defend their MAC Championship Title and become sole owner of the regular season title, despite graduating six players. The team has 14 ladies returning with game experience, eleven of which started throughout last season.

The Miami Redhawks are looking for revenge going into this season, after losing to Kent State in tournament semi finals and finishing 7-12. The Redhawks return 15 athletes, including three-time All MAC First-Team member Bea Dechant. They are joined by seven freshmen and former USA Women’s National Field Hockey Team member, Rayell Heistand, who will serve as an assistant coach.

Central Michigan and Ohio tied for the third spot in the regular season, each receiving one (first place) vote, while Longwood, Ball State and Missouri State rounded out the preseason poll. Both Longwood and Ohio were selected as contenders in the tournament. The 2015 field hockey season starts on Friday. Click here for the complete schedule.

2015 Field Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll (First place votes in parentheses)
1. Kent State (3)
2. Miami (2)
t3. Ohio (1)
t3. Central Michigan (1)
5. Ball State
6. Missouri State
7. Longwood

MAC Tournament Champions Votes: Kent State (3), Miami (2), Longwood (1), Ohio (1)