PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers field hockey begins its 2017 campaign this weekend, as the season begins with back-to-back home contests. On Friday at 1 p.m. RU hosts 2016 NCAA Tournament participant Kent State, and then turns around 24 hours later to host Towson. Rutgers is 23-15-5 all-time in season openers.

"I think the weekend is going to be an interesting challenge for us," head coach Meredith Civico said. "Kent State consistently appear in their conference tournament and have recent appearances in the NCAA tournament. Towson has a new head coach who I'm sure will motivate their players for what will be their season opener. When teams come to Rutgers to face a Big Ten team they are always looking for a challenge and it's one the team and staff welcome." 

The Scarlet Knights enter the season looking to build on a nine-win campaign in 2016. Rutgers brings back its top two scorers in sophomore Nikki Santore (nine goals, 22 points) and junior Linde van Schaik (eight goals, 19 points), along with all-region selection sophomore Katie Larmour (five goals, 13 points) and Big Ten Preseason honoree back Alanna Gollotto.

RU will feature eight newcomers this season – six freshmen and two transfers. The team also has a new-look coaching staff, with Maddy Sposito promoted to assistant coach, Ajai Dhadwal hired as an assistant coach and Joey Civico joining as a volunteer assistant coach.

The home opener is designated as 'Free Stuff Friday', with prizes available for fans upon entrance. Saturday is Youth and Junior Knights Day. Fans can pick up a team poster at either of the opening games, with the team signing postgame autographs on said posters following the conclusion of Saturday's contest.

Kent State went 14-7 last season, including a 6-0 conference record that led to a MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. The squad was picked by league coaches to win the conference again this season. KSU returns Alison Harmatz (14 goals, 29 points), but with graduation of Andrea Rinehart will be starting a true freshman at goalkeeper. This is the second ever meeting between the two schools, with the Golden Flashes taking the first meeting in 1988.

Towson enters its first year under new head coach E.A. Jackson, who joins the program after two seasons leading Eastern Mennonite University. The Tigers are looking to improve off a 2-17 record last season. The teams will meet for the fourth time, with the series even at 1-1-1. RU claimed a 1-0 victory in the last meeting (2007).