Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. - The University of Delaware field hockey team will open up its 2009 campaign on Saturday at 2 p.m. when the Blue Hens take on Michigan State during the Duke Tournament in Durham, N.C.

At the Tournament, Delaware will be joined by some of the top teams in the country. Along with the Spartans, who enter the season ranked No. 8 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll, the Blue Hens will face either Duke or Louisville on Sunday. The Blue Devils start the year ranked No. 10 in the nation, while the Cardinals stand at No. 12.

Delaware will be led into action by senior captain Casey Howard, who returns after using a medical redshirt last season following a season-ending injury in the early going. A former two-time first-team All-Region selection, she enters her final season after garnering MVP honors in 2007 when she led the team with 13 goals and 29 points.

Along with Howard, the Hens return a strong group of veterans who will help guide the team. Senior back Rae Everson (at right) is perennially one of the top defenders in the league, while Rachel Schexnayder, Tori Karsten, Kimmy Schlezes, and Alexis Esbitt comprise an experienced forward line.

Delaware also welcomes back two All-Conference selections from 2008. Missy Woodie garnered second-team honors after tallying four points as a sophomore midfielder. Kayla Schweitzer also will look to build upon her freshman campaign that saw her garner All-Rookie nods.

The Hens, who are guided by 17th year head coach Carol Miller, are coming off a 2008 season that saw the team go 3-15 and finish in seventh place in the conference standings.