Lander University

Field Hockey 8/28/2025 10:14:00 AM Turner Kirby - Director of Athletic Communications

Field Hockey Picked Second in SAC Preseason Poll

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Lander field hockey team has been picked to finish second in the South Atlantic Conference in the 2025 SAC Preseason Poll, the league office announced Thursday morning. The selection marks the highest preseason ranking in program history.

Defending SAC regular-season champion Newberry was tabbed as the favorite to win the league.

Along with the poll, five Bearcats were recognized as Players to Watch. Fourth-year returner and 2024 First Team All-SAC selection Victoria Hulst headlines the group, joined by newcomers Olivia Bond, Ruby Van Den Sigtenhorst, Lily Ardito, and Nienke Meima.

Lander finished the 2024 season 10-8, closing the year with 12 games in 25 days after Hurricane Helene forced multiple postponements in late September and early October. The Bearcats placed fourth in the SAC and hosted a conference tournament game for the second straight year.

The Bearcats open the 2025 season at home on Sunday, Sept. 7, against Frostburg State. That game, the first non-conference home game in program history, is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Frank Hill Stadium at Emerald High School.

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Players Mentioned

#2 Victoria Hulst: D; 5' 9"; Junior

#12 Lily Ardito: M; 5' 3"; Freshman

#8 Olivia Bond: D; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#9 Ruby Van Den Sigtenhorst: F; 5' 4"; Graduate Student

#16 Nienke Meima: D; 5' 5"; Graduate Student

Players Mentioned

#2 Victoria Hulst
: 5' 9"; Junior
: D

#12 Lily Ardito
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: M

#8 Olivia Bond
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: D

#9 Ruby Van Den Sigtenhorst
: 5' 4"; Graduate Student
: F

#16 Nienke Meima
: 5' 5"; Graduate Student
: D