LYNCHBURG, Va. – The University of Lynchburg field hockey team finished off its dominant fall season with a 5-1 victory over Shenandoah to claim the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Championship last Saturday. Senior forward Anna Dorrestijn scored a hat trick to lead the Hornets to their 23rd conference title, earning her the ODAC Offensive Player of the Year award.
Dorrestijn was also named to the All-ODAC First Team, alongside teammates Danielle Coon, Khanyisile Mzizi, and Allie Freeman. Dorrestijn leads all ODAC scorers with 21 goals in just 20 games played.
“It means a lot to me as a player,” Dorrestijn said. “It’s my last season, so each game could be the last, and it feels like the work that I put in and the details that we as a team focused on have paid off.”
Dorrestijn credited her development over her three years at Lynchburg to those who have supported her on and off the field.
“The athletic trainers, coaches, and team have made a big difference, and our practices and individual groups have helped shape who I am as a player,” said Dorrestijn.
Head coach Jenni Releford, who was awarded the ODAC Coach of the Year Award, said Dorrestijn’s play and leadership have been vital to the team’s success.
“Her ability to earn Offensive Player of the Week three times shows her consistency and impact. She finds ways to make things happen — whether it is scoring, creating opportunities for teammates, or setting the tone with her intensity. Anna inspires those around her and embodies what it means to compete for something bigger than herself,” Releford said.
Dorrestijn’s teammates also praised her leadership in the locker room. Junior midfielder Tatum Humphries said Dorrestijn’s energy sets the tone for the entire team.
“She brings intensity every day, whether it’s game day or practice. Anna earning Offensive Player of the Week multiple times is a well-deserved recognition for how hard she works and how much she pushes those around her,” Humphries noted.
The Hornets now turn their focus to the NCAA tournament, where they will travel to New Jersey to face Rowan University in the first round. The game is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
For more information, visit the Official Lynchburg Sports Website.
