CNBNews

PITMAN, NJ – The Rowan field hockey team is conference favorite heading into the 2022 season, as the Profs were picked to finish first in the NJAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, while receiving six of a possible seven first-place votes. 

The defending NJAC champions, Rowan returns four All-Region selections and five of its top six scorers from last season. In 2021, the Profs went 18-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals, while finishing with a final national ranking of fourth. 

In the poll, Kean was picked second, with one first-place vote, followed by TCNJ, Montclair State, Ramapo, Stockton and William Paterson.

Leading the Profs is All-America First Team honoree and Region IV Player of the Year Kristiina Castagnola. The graduate student topped Rowan in scoring last year with 44 points (21 goals, 18 assists) and was chosen the NJAC Midfielder of the Year, while also earning Academic All-America honors. 

Bridget Guinan was a first-team All-Region performer in 2021, tallying six goals while adding a team-best nine assists. Julia Patrone led the Profs in scoring as a freshman with 19 goals and earned All-Region honors and All-NJAC Honorable Mention as a rookie. Goalkeeper Abby Hainsworth was an All-Region Second Team selection, and an Academic All-America, as she helped the Profs post nine shutouts last season. 

The Profs open the new campaign on September 1 at Ursinus with the home opener set for Saturday, September 3 against Catholic. 

Rowan will serve as the host of the 2022 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship to be held on the weekend of November 18-20.