Field Hockey Season Preview

8/28/2024 2:00:00 PM

LEXINGTON, Va. - Washington and Lee field hockey has been projected to finish third in the 2024 ODAC standings, receiving 49 points in the annual preseason poll announced on Wednesday.

Shenandoah University topped the poll for the first time in program history, earning 61 points and five first-place votes. Defending ODAC champion University of Lynchburg followed closely with 60 points and the remaining four first-place votes.

Rounding out the top four is Bridgewater College, which garnered 40 points in the nine-team poll. The Generals are set to compete in a highly competitive schedule this season which will open play on Friday, August 30 at St. Mary's College (Md.).

2024 ODAC FIELD HOCKEY COACHES' POLL

Shenandoah University (5) 61 pts.
University of Lynchburg (4) 60 pts.
Washington and Lee University 49 pts.
Bridgewater College 40 pts.
Randolph-Macon College 37 pts.
Roanoke College 31 pts.
Virginia Wesleyan University 22 pts.
Sweet Briar College 16 pts.
Eastern Mennonite University 8 pts.

ODAC PREVIEW RELEASE

NATIONAL POLL

In the NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, Middlebury College starts the 2024 season ranked No. 1 as the reigning national champions. Six-time defending national champions, the Panthers top the chart with 1,594 points powered by 60-of-64 first place votes.

Five of Washington and Lee’s opponents are also ranked: No. 2 Johns Hopkins, No. 7 Christopher Newport, No. 13 Lynchburg(733 points), No. 18 Franklin & Marshall, and No. 20 Shenandoah (368 points). These matchups will provide a challenging schedule for the Generals as they look to compete against some of the top programs in the country.

For more information, visit NFHCA DIII Coaches Poll.

I’m continually impressed with the energy and effort this team brings to every session. Their hard work in the offseason is evident in their on-field performance, and they keep building their game together. There’s a genuine joy in both playing and being together, which makes it a great experience to be a part of.

We have a balanced attack and defense, and it’s our collective play that defines us. The leadership from our returning players, combined with the enthusiasm of our first-years, has been stimulating to watch from the coaching staff's perspective. We’re really looking forward to the start of the season.

Head Coach Gina Wills

Head Coach Gina Wills (Center) is entering her 10th season at the helm of Generals Field Hockey assisted by Blaine Donnelly (left) and Katherine Berman '22 (Right)

2024 Schedule Preview

The Washington and Lee University field hockey team is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season filled with tough matchups, including five ranked opponents. The Generals open their season on August 30 at St. Mary’s College of Maryland at 3 p.m., followed by a home opener against No. 2 Johns Hopkins on September 1 at noon.

The squad will hit the road for a weekend in Kentucky to face Centre on September 7 and Rhodes on September 8. Back-to-back home games against Catholic (Sept. 14) and Mary Washington (Sept. 18) follow shortly after.

Washington and Lee continues its ranked matchups with a road contest against No. 18 Franklin & Marshall on September 21 at 12:00 p.m., and an ODAC clash with No. 20 Shenandoah in Lexington on October 9 at 7:00 p.m.. The Generals travel to face No. 13 Lynchburg on October 19 at 11:00 a.m., before hosting No. 7 Christopher Newport at home on October 26 at 2:00 p.m..

With a deep roster and tough competition ahead, the Generals are poised for a successful run in conference and non-conference play. As the team looks forward to the ODAC tournament in November, fans are eyeing the NCAA Semifinals on November 22 and Finals on November 24 in Lexington, where W&L will serve as the host of the NCAA DIII Field Hockey Championship.

To view W&L's complete schedule, click HERE.

KEY RETURNERS

As Washington and Lee University’s field hockey team heads into the new season, several key players return to the sideline for the 2024 campaign. Senior forward Kate Ruffin is back after posting five goals, three assists, and 13 points last season, with a .576 shots-on-goal percentage. Junior forward Betty Boatwright, the team’s leading scorer in 2023, returns after notching seven goals and four assists, along with a team-high 60 shots. Senior NFHCA All-Region player Maddy Duggleby also brings valuable experience commanding the midfield, contributing four goals last season and a career total of 10 goals and two assists.

Sophomore midfielder Zoe Dolfis, named NFHCA All-Region as a rookie, will look to expand her role after posting seven goals and four assists in 2023, matching Boatwright in points (18). Sydney Baggett and Margaret Cover also had strong performances last year on the offensive end, combining for eight goals and six assists.

On the defensive end, Washington and Lee field hockey will look to junior goalkeeper Julia McDonald to step into the starting role after a solid 2023 season where she posted a 0.94 goals-against average and a .704 save percentage in 508 minutes. In front of McDonald, fans can expect to see Jordan Hoover, Elaina Bellone, and Sophia Cover dropping into the back line. With their combined experience and the new faces from the 2028 class, the defense is expected to be a key factor in the Generals’ success this season.

Jenna Bernstein, a senior midfielder from St. Louis, Mo., has been a steady presence on the Washington and Lee field hockey team. A 2024 co-captain, she has demonstrated her leadership both on and off the field. While playing in 20 career games, Bernstein has contributed two assists and has maintained a .429 shots-on-goal percentage.

Off the field, Jenna is a standout in academics, majoring in Computer Science. She has interned with both Microsoft and World Wide Technology, while serving as the Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Jenna has also been recognized for her academic excellence with multiple NFHCA National Academic Squad and Academic All-ODAC honors.

Kate Ruffin, a Virgina Beach native, made a significant leap on the field hockey field last year to play a key role on the offensive end at Washington and Lee University. Playing in 53 career games as a forward, she has tallied 17 goals and 7 assists, showcasing her offensive prowess and consistency, with a career shots-on-goal percentage of .714. As a 2024 co-captain, her leadership on the field is crucial to the team’s success, with her experience helping guide younger teammates through the season.

Off the field, Kate excels academically, majoring in Business Administration while actively engaging in campus life. She has served as the Vice President of the Panhellenic Council and is involved in the W&L Real Estate Society.

Maddy Duggleby, a senior midfielder from Fayetteville, N.Y., has earned numerous accolades both on and off the field. A two-time team co-captain, she was named First Team All-ODAC and NFHCA Second Team All-Region in 2023-24. She’s also a dedicated scholar, recognized as a W&L Scholar Athlete and a member of the NFHCA National Academic Squad. Off the field, Maddy majors in Business Administration with a minor in Art History, while actively volunteering at Campus Kitchen and serving on the Fancy Dress Committee.

The senior midfielder has been consistent for Washington and Lee's game plan and strategy. Across 53 games with 37 starts, she’s tallied 10 goals and 2 assists, for a total of 22 points. Duggleby has taken 42 shots with a .238 shot percentage, and 25 of those were on goal for a .595 shots-on-goal percentage. She has recorded four game-winning goals, including three last season.

In just two season at W&L, Betty Boatwright has made a significant impact as a forward for Washington and Lee’s field hockey team. Since arriving in 2022, she has accumulated 17 goals and seven assists over 38 games, earning Second Team All-ODAC honors in both 2022 and 2023. Her first-year saw her named ODAC Rookie of the year and to the Synapse Sports All-Rookie team for her outstanding play. As a junior co-captain, her leadership and offensive skills will be key assets, with five career game-winning goals and a .592 shots-on-goal percentage.

Off the field, Betty majors in Business Administration and Cognitive and Behavioral Science. She has completed internships with Weller Development and MRP Realty, and spent summer 2023 interning at the House of Representatives.

the 2024 W&L Field Hockey Captains (L to R): Jenna Bernstein '25, Kate Ruffin '25, Maddy Duggleby '25, Betty Boatwright '26