The St. Joe’s field hockey program continued to dominate the Atlantic 10 as they were crowned Regular Season Champions for the third straight year. They went a perfect 8-0 in conference play and will host the A-10 Field Hockey Championship at Ellen Ryan field.
The Hawks will defend their A-10 tournament title on Nov. 2 against Richmond University. The two–day tournament consists of four teams and will conclude with the championship game on Nov. 3. If the Hawks win their first matchup, they will take on the winner of the game between Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Massachusetts.
“I am feeling confident in our team,” senior forward Anna Willocks said. We have improved immensely throughout the season, but over the years we have improved so much and I think it really has just been a focus on our team culture which has sent us in the right direction.”
The Hawks finished their regular season 16-2, ranked 12th in the nation. They are coming off of their second win over a nationally ranked opponent this season against 14th ranked Syracuse University during Senior Day on Oct. 27. Willocks and freshman forward Tonya Botherway each accounted for five points.
St. Joe’s has dominated the A-10 weekly accolades as well. Willocks was named A-10 Player of the Week for the fourth time this year and Botherway was named A-10 Rookie of the Week for the fifth time this season.
As a freshman, Botherway realizes that this team has a unique opportunity and needs to make the most out of it.
“I’m loving it being part of a team that’s kind of making history at St. Joe’s,” Botherway said. “I think it’s just about not being complacent and content with where we are as a team and just knowing that there’s always room for improvement.”
Botherway leads the team in goals, setting multiple freshmen records this year along the way. She has been a key to the Hawks’ success throughout the season. Willocks said she believes Botherway will help lead St. Joe’s to another A-10 regular season title next season.
“She’s just doing amazing,” Willocks said. “I think she’s just setting herself up in the right direction for her next couple of years and her career here. I hope she goes after the records that I got.”
The Hawks have been able to couple young talent with accomplished experience. Head Coach Lynn Farquhar emphasized the importance of her three seniors Monica Tice, Joely Helder and Willocks in setting the foundation in their earlier years for the dynasty which St. Joe’s field hockey is building.
“It’s awesome to see our three seniors step up,” Farquhar said. “They’ve helped create this program and they’ve taken us to a whole new level.”
For Willocks and the rest of the senior class, playing on their home field in their last A-10 tournament will bear great meaning. It was where they first had the opportunity to compete for a championship.
“It’s pretty cool that I’m coming around full circle now,” Willocks said. “My first A-10’s were on home turf, so I’m really looking forward to [this] week.”
