UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State field hockey team opens the 2016 season ranked No. 18 in the nation, as the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll released its national preseason rankings Tuesday afternoon.
The North Carolina Tar Heels took the top spot in the NFHCA division I rankings with 915 total points, 17 ahead of the defending NCAA champion Syracuse.
Penn State opens the 2016 campaign at home against No. 20 Old Dominion 6 p.m. on Aug. 26. followed by a Sunday match against No. 5 Virginia at 12 p.m.
The Nittany Lions are set to face eight of the teams from the NFHCA preseason Top-20 during the 2016 season.
The Nittany Lions return 10 starters from the 2015 season and welcome six newcomers to the program for the 2016 season.