By Chistopher Jennings ~ Assistant Editor
After a couple weeks out on the road for the University of Lynchburg’s women’s field hockey team will be able to return to the Hill City to play in a familiar setting. The nationally ranked team started the season with four challenging teams that are all NCAA tournament hopeful schools. The Hornets came away with a 1-3 record over the past 10 days including giving two top-10 teams in the country a run for their money.
Graduate Student Emily Dudley says, “I am excited that we played these games early in the season. It gives us a chance to play good teams and use it as a benchmark to see where we are.”
The Hornets have one of the most challenging schedules in the country that will last all season long with multiple ranked teams as well as the vigorous schedule that is the ODAC.
Dudley was able to help the Hornets win against Lebanon Valley as she netted three goals in the contest.
Dudley added, “I feel like we played well over the past couple games and seeing NCAA tournament teams now will help us know where we need to be when November rolls around.”
Dudley is currently using her COVID eligibility to play this season while she is in graduate school here at University of Lynchburg.
The Hornets have number 13 Ursinus coming to town this weekend as they have a two game homestand that also includes Centre, a team whose season was ended by the hornets last time there was an NCAA tournament in 2019.
When asked about being home Dudley said, “ I think road trips can take a toll on any team and knowing that we will be in the City of Lynchburg will give us a confidence booster and allow us to get on track.”
Lynchburg will host Ursinus under the lights at 7:00 p.m. the 17th at Liberty University Field Hockey Complex for parents weekend and then follow up with Centre the following weekend on Saturday the 25th at 4:00 p.m.
Emily Dudley, University of Lynchburg Graduate Student. Photo Courtesy of Lynchburg Athletics/ Erin Farina
