Drexel University Athletics
Friday, November 8
Philadelphia, Pa.
12:00 p.m.
Drexel University
vs
Monmouth
No. 17 Drexel Set to Face Monmouth in CAA Semifinals at Buckley Field
11/7/2024 11:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Game Info: Friday, November 8, 2024 - 12 p.m.
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. - Buckley Field
Live Stats | FloLive($)
Social Media
@DrexelFH | @DrexelDragons
PHILADELPHIA - The No. 17 Drexel field hockey team is set to take on Monmouth in the CAA Semifinals on Friday, November 8 at noon. The Dragons enter as the number one seed, having earned a spot in the CAA tournament for the third straight season. Drexel will look to hoist their second CAA conference trophy.
The winner will advance to play either Delaware or Northeastern in the championship game on Sunday, November 8 at noon. Drexel University is the host of this season's CAA tournament, with all action from Buckley Field available on FloLive.
About the Dragons
Drexel enters the CAA tournament with a perfect 6-0 record in conference play, finishing 14-4 overall. The now No. 17 Dragons earned a spot in National Field Hockey Coaches Association ranking earlier this season for the first since the 2013 season, reaching as high as 16th in the nation.
The Dragons went unbeaten in a nine game stretch between September 20 and October 18. The streak tied their longest since the 2010 season where they also won nine consecutive games.
Valentine Van Hellemont leads the way for DU with a team high 22 points. The sophomore has collected three hat tricks this season, with three game winning tallies. Anna Castaldo is close behind with a total of 20 points. The Endicott, N.Y. native has secured a goal in the last three straight contests. Pien Elson leads the team in assists with five.
Defense Leads the Way
Defense has been a strong point for the Dragons this season. Drexel is 12th in the nation in goals against average with 1.22, allowing their opponents to just 81 shots on goal this season.
Alana Poole has made 12 starts in 14 appearances in front of the net for DU. The redshirt freshman has allowed just 12 goals with 34 saves and a .739 save percentage.
Coach Zelenak 300th
Drexel women's field hockey coach Denise Zelenak earned her 300th career win in the dramatic double-overtime comeback win against Wagner on October 27. This season marks Zelenak's 29th season as the Drexel head coach. Zelenak sits in the top 20 in all-time wins among active coaches in the NCAA.
Scouting Report
Monmouth enters Friday's matchup with a 11-6 record, finishing a fourth best 3-3 in the conference. The Hawks have faced off against tough competition, including earning an upset victory over No. 12 Iowa in Iowa City.
Jess Tucker is the team leader in points with 25, with Anna Moors just behind with 24. Moors has 11 goals this season, with four of those tallies being game-winners. 12 different Hawks have recorded an assist this season, with Calista Schwartz collecting the most with 12.
Jesse Eiselin has made 15 starts at goalkeeper for the Hawks, allowing 24 goals this season with a .784 save percentage.
The Series
Drexel leads the all-time series with a 7-4 record. The Dragons knocked off the previously No. 20 Hawks earlier this season, 2-1. Anna Castaldo and Pien Elsen both scored to give DU the win.
Location: Philadelphia, Pa. - Buckley Field
Live Stats | FloLive($)
Social Media
@DrexelFH | @DrexelDragons
PHILADELPHIA - The No. 17 Drexel field hockey team is set to take on Monmouth in the CAA Semifinals on Friday, November 8 at noon. The Dragons enter as the number one seed, having earned a spot in the CAA tournament for the third straight season. Drexel will look to hoist their second CAA conference trophy.
The winner will advance to play either Delaware or Northeastern in the championship game on Sunday, November 8 at noon. Drexel University is the host of this season's CAA tournament, with all action from Buckley Field available on FloLive.
About the Dragons
Drexel enters the CAA tournament with a perfect 6-0 record in conference play, finishing 14-4 overall. The now No. 17 Dragons earned a spot in National Field Hockey Coaches Association ranking earlier this season for the first since the 2013 season, reaching as high as 16th in the nation.
The Dragons went unbeaten in a nine game stretch between September 20 and October 18. The streak tied their longest since the 2010 season where they also won nine consecutive games.
Valentine Van Hellemont leads the way for DU with a team high 22 points. The sophomore has collected three hat tricks this season, with three game winning tallies. Anna Castaldo is close behind with a total of 20 points. The Endicott, N.Y. native has secured a goal in the last three straight contests. Pien Elson leads the team in assists with five.
Defense Leads the Way
Defense has been a strong point for the Dragons this season. Drexel is 12th in the nation in goals against average with 1.22, allowing their opponents to just 81 shots on goal this season.
Alana Poole has made 12 starts in 14 appearances in front of the net for DU. The redshirt freshman has allowed just 12 goals with 34 saves and a .739 save percentage.
Coach Zelenak 300th
Drexel women's field hockey coach Denise Zelenak earned her 300th career win in the dramatic double-overtime comeback win against Wagner on October 27. This season marks Zelenak's 29th season as the Drexel head coach. Zelenak sits in the top 20 in all-time wins among active coaches in the NCAA.
Scouting Report
Monmouth enters Friday's matchup with a 11-6 record, finishing a fourth best 3-3 in the conference. The Hawks have faced off against tough competition, including earning an upset victory over No. 12 Iowa in Iowa City.
Jess Tucker is the team leader in points with 25, with Anna Moors just behind with 24. Moors has 11 goals this season, with four of those tallies being game-winners. 12 different Hawks have recorded an assist this season, with Calista Schwartz collecting the most with 12.
Jesse Eiselin has made 15 starts at goalkeeper for the Hawks, allowing 24 goals this season with a .784 save percentage.
The Series
Drexel leads the all-time series with a 7-4 record. The Dragons knocked off the previously No. 20 Hawks earlier this season, 2-1. Anna Castaldo and Pien Elsen both scored to give DU the win.
Players Mentioned
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/ Field Hockey
D/M
/ Field Hockey
GK
/ Field Hockey
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/ Field HockeyDrexel's Autocomplete With Field Hockey Coach Denise Zelenak.
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