Chasing History: Syracuse Field Hockey 2017 vs. 2025
By: Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan
On Tuesday, September 9, then-No. 11 Syracuse field hockey received exciting news — after its 2-0 sweep during the ACC/B1G Challenge and its perfect 4-0 record, the Orange climbed up to No. 5 in the nation, their highest ranking since Week 2 of 2017, when they were positioned at No. 3. How did the 2017 campaign compare to the currently young 2025 season, and what do the Cuse need to do to match the success from eight years ago?
Maintain offensive momentum
2017 Syracuse field hockey stormed out of the gates in the opening season and didn’t look back. SU opened with a 7-0 start — all shutout victories — before ultimately falling for the first time that year in a tight 2-1 battle with Wake Forest. The team averaged about 3.5 goals a game during that stretch, playing aggressive hockey that combined speed with precision on the circle. Key players, including defender Roos Weers and forwards Elaine Carey and Carolin Hoffmann, led SU in points.
The 2025 squad has begun to echo that tenacious offensive mindset. Throughout its first four games, the Cuse has displayed a balanced attack, with eight players recording at least one goal so far this season. Standouts include grad student Bo van Kempen who tops the nation with 2.50 goals per game, totalling 10 goals and 22 points; and senior Pati Strunk who leads the country with 2.25 assists per game. Junior Hattie Madden and freshman Aubrety Turner have each contributed four goals.
Maintaining this momentum over the next stretch of games — including a trip to face No. 11 Princeton this weekend and diving into conference play the following weekend — will be crucial if the Orange hope to replicate the early-season dominance of 2017 and set the tone for the rest of the season.
Defensive resilience
The Orange have made headlines for their offensive firepower, but their defense has been just as crucial in keeping the team unbeaten. Syracuse has allowed only three goals in four games while scoring 24, giving them a No. 4 national ranking in scoring margin. The Cuse has rotated between junior Jessie Eiselin and freshman Tane King in goal, with Eiselin posting a 1.00 goals-against average and King an impressive 0.44. Back in 2017, the team’s star in cage was Netherlands-native Borg van der Velde, who finished ranked second in the ACC in saves per game (4.94) and fourth in save percentage (.699).
On the backline, van Kempen has been instrumental in organizing the defense and intercepting passes. This past weekend, the Orange really demonstrated their ability to maintain strong defensive structure while facilitating clean, effective ball movement from the back to the attacking third. This system not only ensures accurate passing for SU but also shuts down passing lanes and scoring opportunities for opponents, as especially evident in Syracuse’s 2-0 shutout over formerly No. 16 Rutgers.
Chase history
With 17 newcomers on the roster, including 13 freshmen, SU has quickly silenced the doubters and shown that its blend of experience and youth can compete at the highest level. But as the season progresses, and the Orange continue to face tougher opponents and the pressures of conference play, consistency and composure is key. If the Cuse can continue to build on its early-season momentum, maintain its defensive discipline that has frustrated opponents, and trust in its leaders to guide the team in critical moments, the 2025 squad could not only match but potentially surpass the accomplishments of the 2017 team.
Syracuse’s next test is Friday, as it travels to New Jersey and goes toe-to-toe with No. 11 Princeton. The all-time series stands at an even 13-13-0 as of October 2024, after the Orange won three straight against the Tigers. Follow @SydneyO_Chan on X for all your in-game updates and for continued coverage throughout the season!
