Franklin & Marshall Field Hockey Kicks Off 2025 Season with High Hopes

Strategic Insights -

Franklin & Marshall College field hockey team is looking to build on its recent consistency and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. The Diplomats have three consecutive seasons with 10-plus wins and Centennial Conference Tournament Semifinal appearances under their belt. With seven starters returning, including three All-Centennial Conference players, and six first-year student-athletes, the team is optimistic about its chances. The 26-player roster is led by Caitlin Hoover, last year's offensive leader, who totaled 26 points via 10 goals and 6 assists.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Diplomats have three consecutive seasons with 10-plus wins and Centennial Conference Tournament Semifinal appearances.
  • Seven starters, including three All-Centennial Conference players, return for the 2025 season.
  • Caitlin Hoover, last year's offensive leader, returns with 26 points via 10 goals and 6 assists.
  • Forward/Midfield players Keira Boensch and Hannah Fitzgerald return, contributing 19 and 19 starts, respectively.
  • Midfield player Megan Dadio, a 2024 All-Centennial Conference Honorable Mention player, returns with 3 goals and 1 assist.
  • Defense players Sarah Weitzman and Kat Thistlewaite return, contributing towards the second-best defense in the Centennial Conference.
  • Goalkeeper Meghan Dole returns as the lone returner in the cage, ranking near the top of most Centennial Conference goalkeeping stats.
  • The team faces nine non-conference foes, including three teams that competed in last year's NCAA Tournament.
  • The 2025 Centennial Conference schedule features three teams that earned a spot in the Centennial Conference Tournament.

Statistics:

  • Caitlin Hoover: 10 goals, 6 assists, 26 points (2024)
  • Keira Boensch: 19 starts, 3 goals, 3 assists (2024)
  • Hannah Fitzgerald: 19 starts, 8 goals, 3 assists, 1 game-winning goal (2024)
  • Meghan Dole: 6 shutouts, 1.239 goals against average, 0.803 save percentage (2024)
  • Sarah Weitzman: 21 starts, 34 appearances (2024)
  • Kat Thistlewaite: 55 starts, 56 games appeared, Centennial Conference Rookie of the Year honors, 2 All-Centennial Conference Teams (2024)

Sources:

  • Franklin & Marshall College Athletics of Pennsylvania News Release: Field Hockey Kicks Off 2025 Season with Susquehanna on Friday, August 29 (No date provided)
  • Centennial Conference Field Hockey Preseason Poll (No date provided)