Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

RICHMOND, Va. – The University of Delaware field hockey team was chosen sixth in the preseason Colonial Athletic Association Coaches Poll that was announced today by the league office.

Old Dominion, who earned six first-place votes, was picked as the favorite to win the 2009 title. James Madison, the three-time defending league champion, garnered three first-place votes and ranked second in the poll.

Drexel earned the third spot in the preseason rankings, while William & Mary and Hofstra also placed in the top five. Following Delaware at six, Northeastern, Towson, and VCU rounded out the field.

Overall, the CAA is considered one of the finest field hockey leagues in the nation. The conference has sent multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament during six of the past 10 years. The league also had three teams finish 2008 ranked among the top-20 in RPI at the end of the season.

Delaware will be guided by head coach Carol Miller, who enters her 17th season at the top of the Blue Hen program. She welcomes back eight of 11 starters from a 2008 team that finished 3-15.

Senior forward Casey Howard will lead the team into action after using a medical redshirt last year following an early-season injury. A two-time, first-team All-Region selection, she posted a team-high 13 goals and 16 points as a junior in 2007.

Alexis Esbitt (above) and Missy Woodie also return after putting together productive seasons last year. Esbitt led the team with five goals in 2008, while Woodie garnered second-team All-Conference honors after tallying four points as a midfielder.

The Blue Hens also return standout back Rae Everson and a forward line that consists of veterans Tori Karsten, Rachel Schexnayder, and Kimmy Schlezes. Kayla Schwitzer will be back as well following a freshman campaign that saw her earn CAA All-Rookie honors.

Delaware will open the season against Michigan State on August 29 at 2 p.m. during the Duke Tournament.

2009 CAA Field Hockey Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Old Dominion (6 first-place votes), 62
2. James Madison (3), 58
3. Drexel, 50
4. William & Mary, 41
5. Hofstra, 29
6. Delaware, 27
7. Northeastern, 25
8. Towson, 16
9. VCU, 16.