Courtesy of Tim Cowie
Davidson Field Hockey’s 2025 campaign is off to an encouraging start. On Friday, Sept. 6, Davidson went to double overtime in a close with Wake Forest University. While the ‘Cats searched for their first victory over the Demon Deacons since 1991, the result is a promising indicator for the upcoming season. “That was the closest game we’ve had with Wake [Forest] possibly in program history to my knowledge,” midfielder Emma Stevens ‘27 said. “The Wake head coach, who has been there for 34 years, said this is the best Davidson team she has seen in her time there. Big learning moments like the Wake game, where we might not have come out with a win, illustrate our improvement as a team and our potential for the season.” Standout performers against Wake, including Matilda Collins ‘27, who netted a penalty stroke goal, and Avery Foster ‘29, who had multiple saves, set a skillful precedent for the ‘Cats. The team drives to continue the momentum into conference play on Sept. 19 against La Salle University at the newly-renovated Carol Grotnes Belk Turf Field. “As we move through the season, we are looking to maintain and even elevate the high level of play that we have started the season with. This is something that can be difficult with a season that ranges almost 3 months, but will be extremely advantageous once we get to post season play,” Stevens said. Building on individual and team successes in the first four games of the 2025 season, the team is aiming for the Atlantic 10 (A10) tournament, which requires a top-four conference record to qualify. Davidson also hopes to win more games this season against a difficult non-conference schedule, with higher-ranking opponents including Stanford University and Bucknell University.
Next: Davidson Wildcats vs. Longwood Lancers on Sept. 12