Oct. 7, 2008

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College field hockey team is ranked 19th in the latest NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, released on Tuesday, October 7. The Friars, who have been receiving votes in each of the last five week, enter the poll for the first time during the 2008 campaign. Providence has earned its way into the top-20 each year since 2006, and currently joins four other BIG EAST Conference schools in the national rankings. Providence also is featured as the 15th-ranked team in the nation by WomensFieldHockey.com.

Syracuse is ranked second in the country (907 points), followed by Connecticut (8th, 622 points), Louisville (11th, 459 points) and Rutgers (16th, 200 points). The Orange lead the way in first place votes (25), but were edged out of the top spot by Maryland, who earned 911 points overall and 20 first-place votes.

The Friars will put their national ranking to the test on Saturday, October 11 when they host 16th-ranked Rutgers in a BIG EAST match-up at the Friar Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex in Providence, R.I. Providence also hosts Boston University on Sunday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m.

- FRIARS -