KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown field hockey had one of its most successful seasons in program history last season and is poised for more of the same this season.
 
The Golden Bears, which ranked second in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association's final national poll, finished 16-3 overall and on top of the PSAC with an 8-1 record last season. They also reached a No. 1 ranking in the NFHCA poll during the season for the first time in program history.
 
Entering the 2023 campaign, Kutztown had its highest preseason ranking in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference poll since the conference went to one division in 2013. KU was voted third by the conference's head coaches.
 
Reigning PSAC Coach of the Year, Marci Scheuing, who enters her 10th season in charge, returns All-PSAC performers in senior Sarah Gatehouse (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson) and junior Juliana Donato (Cedarville, N.J./Schalick). Gatehouse was First Team and Donato was Third Team. Sophomore Erin Gonzalez (East Earl, Pa./Garden Spot) is the team's top returning point scorer, tallying nine goals and two assists in 2022. Danielle Panati (West Chester, Pa./Unionville) was tied for second in the PSAC with four defensive saves last season. The team's 3.47 goals per game were third-most in Division II.
 
KU will need to replace four starters from the final game of the season last year, including two All-Americans in Rachel Dusman (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg) and Olivia Blasone (East Berlin, Pa./Bermudian Springs), and a 60-game starter in goal in Katie Dotterweich (Douglassville, Pa./Daniel Boone).
 
There are 10 opportunities to catch the Maroon and Gold in action at home this season, including five PSAC games. Senior day is set for Saturday, Oct. 21, against Slippery Rock at 3 p.m.
 
Kutztown opens its season next Thursday, Aug. 31, with a non-conference game against New Haven at 3 p.m., from Andre Reed Stadium. The PSAC opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 23, against Mercyhurst at 11 a.m., at Andre Reed Stadium.