The Kent State University field hockey squad kicks off its 2024 campaign with a pair of opening‑weekend contests on Illinois soil, beginning Friday, August 28 at 3:30 p.m. against Lafayette and concluding Sunday, August 30 at 2:30 p.m. versus VCU.
Season Opener in Illinois
The Golden Flashes arrive fresh off a 5‑1 exhibition triumph over Slippery Rock, a performance highlighted by senior forward Maybritt Duwel’s hat‑trick and the defensive presence of fifth‑year goalkeeper Michaela Skinner.
Roster Revamp and Key Players
This season the roster blends five newcomers with four transfers, among them three athletes who previously wore Liberty University colors under former coach Hefner, adding depth and experience to the lineup.
Opponents in Form
Lafayette, which finished the 2025 campaign at 12‑7 overall and 5‑1 in the Patriot League, will test Kent State’s offense, while VCU’s 13‑5 record and 5‑1 conference mark reflect a team that shared its regular‑season title before bowing out in the tournament. Senior defender Katie Gibb contributed five goals, 11 assists and 21 points last year, and sophomore midfielder Lina Behrmann ranked eighth nationally in assists per game.
A Historic Rivalry Revisited
Kent State holds a 1‑1 edge against VCU, having posted a 4‑3 victory in 2015 before a narrow 0‑1 loss in 2023, a pattern that underscores the competitive balance between the programs.
Road Trip to Michigan
The schedule also includes a road trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the Flashes will meet the 14th‑ranked Michigan Wolverines and Vermont in a neutral‑site showdown at Northwestern University’s Lakeside Field in Evanston.
With the opening weekend set to showcase both offensive firepower and defensive resilience, the Golden Flashes aim to translate early momentum into a strong push toward the postseason, leveraging the experience of returning starters and the fresh talent injected from the transfer portal.