Newberry Voted as Favorites in Preseason SAC Field Hockey Coaches' Poll
ROCK HILL, S.C. (TheSAC.com) – Newberry has been selected as the favorite in the 2025 South Atlantic Conference Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league office announced this morning.
The Wolves, who finished 15-4 overall and 11-3 in conference play last season, earned six first-place votes and 55 total points to take the top spot.
Lander and Wingate tied for second place in the poll with 47 points and each with a first-place vote. Converse was picked fourth with 39 points, followed by Belmont Abbey in fifth with 31 points. Lincoln Memorial placed sixth with 24 points, Coker seventh with 23 points, and Barton rounded out the standings in eighth with 14 points.
The 2025 SAC Championship will be held on November 3 (Quarterfinals), November 7 (Semifinals), and November 9 (Final) at the highest remaining seed.
2025 SAC Field Hockey Preseason Poll
| Rank | School (First Place Votes) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Newberry (6) | 55 |
| 2t. | Lander (1) | 47 |
| 2t. | Wingate (1) | 47 |
| 4. | Converse | 39 |
| 5. | Belmont Abbey | 31 |
| 6. | Lincoln Memorial | 24 |
| 7. | Coker | 23 |
| 8. | Barton | 14 |
Players to Watch
Barton
Gracyn Arruda, GK, Jr.
Madelyn Lowery, D, Jr.
Madison Watson, D, Jr.
Kyomi Nettles, MF, Jr.
Nyla Allen, F, So.
Belmont Abbey
Cecilia Müller, Back, Sr.
Grace Hines, Midfielder, Sr.
Isabella Hite, Forward, Jr.
Hailey Leatherman, Forward, Sr.
Sarah Schumacher, Back, Jr.
Coker
Francesca Montanera, MF, So.
Kelcie Gannon, D, So.
Eve Sekscinski, G, Jr.
Emilia Waldrop, F, Fr.
Kiera Donnelly, F, Fr.
Converse
Kilee Bradeen, Sr., F/MF
Remi Lewis, Sr. ,D
Chelsy Bunse, Jr., MF/D
Amparo Figueroa, So, F/MF
Sage Pilarski, So., D
Lander
Victoria Hulst
Nienke Meima
Lily Ardito
Olivia Bond
Ruby Van Den Sightenhorst
Lincoln Memorial
Olivia Rosini, D, Sr.
Cayla Wiggins, G, Fr.
Jolie Plaisier, F, Fr.
Guadalupe Montaldo, D, Jr.
Kelsey Beauchamp, D, Fr.
Newberry
Payton Keeler, M, Jr.
Parker Keeler, F, Jr.
Wibien Dahmen, F, Jr.
Lieke Varenkamp, M, Sr.
Amber Tozana, Fr.
Wingate
Lauren Montgomery, Sr., MF
Charne Steyn, MF, Jr.
Kayleigh Haines, MF, Sr.
Alex Bevan-Xenelis, Jr., MF
Riley Robinson, MF, Jr.