NEWARK, DE – Six teams that made the NCAA Tournament last season highlight the University of Delaware’s 2008 field hockey schedule that was announced today by head coach Carol Miller (at right).

During its non-conference slate, the Blue Hens will take on Maryland, Duke, Michigan State, and Boston University, who all made the postseason last year. The Hens will also battle James Madison and Old Dominion, who advanced to the tournament after finishing as the top two teams in the Colonial Athletic Association in 2007.

Delaware returns 12 regulars from last season’s team that went 10-9 and finished in a tie for fifth place in conference action. The Hens welcome back their top three scorers from a year ago with Casey Howard, Tori Karsten, and Michelle Drummonds all returning. The defensive unit will also return a strong corps of players with goalie Nikki Rhoades joining midfielder Rae Everson and All-Rookie selection Missy Woodie to anchor the defense.

The Hens will participate in two tournaments to kick off the year starting with the Louisville Classic on August 30-31. During the invitational, Delaware will be joined by the host Cardinals as well as Duke and Michigan State.

A week later, Delaware returns to Rullo Stadium where the team will host the Blue Hen Classic on September 6-7. Temple, Ohio State and America East champ Boston University will all compete in the tournament, with the Buckeyes battling the Hens on Saturday at 11:30 a.m., while the Terriers will face the hosts on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Delaware will wrap-up its early season non-conference action by facing the Syracuse Orange at Maryland on September 14 before traveling to Temple on the 19th and finishing with Saint Joseph’s at home on the 21st.

On September 26, the Blue Hens will kick-off their CAA slate with a home match-up against defending conference champion James Madison at 7 p.m. Delaware will also host Virginia Commonwealth on the 28th before traveling to William & Mary (Oct. 3) and Old Dominion (Oct. 5).

Delaware will make a brief stop at home on October 10 to face Northeastern before heading back on the road to square off with Rutgers (Oct. 17) and ACC power Maryland (Oct. 19).

The Hens will cap off their home slate on October 26 when they take on Towson at 1 p.m. The team will then conclude its regular-season schedule with road games against Drexel (Oct. 31) and Hofstra (Nov. 2).

The CAA Championship tournament will begin on November 6 with the title bout scheduled for the 9th.

Complete Schedule