Princeton University Athletics
Field Hockey To Take On National Team
September 06, 2002 | Field Hockey
Sept. 6, 2002
PRINCETON, NJ - The Princeton field hockey team traditionally boasts one of the toughest schedules in the nation. This year is no exception, as the Tigers have raised it up a notch and will open the 2002 season by hosting the U.S. national team in an exhibition game on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
The game is the final contest in the national team's four-game Collegiate Challenge. Fresh off a qualifying berth to this year's World Cup, the national team is opening the college season with games against Michigan, Maryland, Wake Forest and Princeton, each of last year's NCAA semifinalists. They handed Michigan, the 2001 NCAA champion, a 1-0 defeat on Aug. 23 to open the tour, and followed that with a 10-0 win over Maryland on Aug. 25 and an 8-3 win over Wake Forest on Sept. 5.
"The national team is the best that the U.S. has to offer," said Princeton coach Beth Bozman. "It is a great opportunity for us to get a chance to play them, and to see how we compare to the best. The advice that I have always passed on to my team about these players is to learn from them. They are all such talented athletes and possess unique qualities - watch them, study them, and try to elevate your game to their level." Princeton is returning every starter from a team that posted a 17-3 record in 2001. The Tigers rode a 10-game winning streak all the way to the Final Four, where they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Wolverines in the first semifinal game. Along the way Princeton won its eighth-straight Ivy League title and had three of its players earn first-team All-America honors.
The game against the national team will feature former Tiger Melanie Meerschwam '01. Meerschwam was a two-time first-team All-Ivy selection, and earned first-team All-America honors in 2000.
The Tigers will kick off their regular season when they host Ohio University at Class of 1952 Stadium on Sept. 13. That game is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Tickets for the national team game will be $6 for adults and $4 for children. Admission for students is free. For ticket information call the Princeton University Ticket Office at 609.258.3538.