Opening Weekend, Opening Thoughts: No. 11 Syracuse Field Hockey
By: Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan
No. 11 Syracuse Field Hockey opened its 2025 season in dominant fashion. The Cuse crushed Lock Haven 15-0 in its season opener; then followed it up two days later with a 5-2 win over Fairfield. With twenty goals in their first two games, the Orange have already surpassed last year’s home scoring total of 13. Opening weekend set the stage for SU, and its first true test comes tomorrow, as it competes in the ACC/B1G Challenge and faces No. 16 Rutgers and No. 13 Ohio State. With early momentum on its side, here are some opening thoughts:
A defender leading the scoring charts? But of course.
Syracuse’s offense was on fire, and at the heart of it was defender Bo van Kempen. The Netherlands native anchors the Orange from the center back position, orchestrating the team’s attacking plans with her incredible vision. But she’s not just stopping plays — she’s also lighting up the scoreboard herself. The grad student tallied six goals and 13 points in SU’s home opener, setting a program record and recording the most goals in a single game in the Atlantic Coast Conference since at least 2017, just one shy of the NCAA mark. She followed that performance with a Sunday hat trick.
Of Syracuse’s 20 goals scored this season, van Kempen has accounted for seven on attacking penalty corners, where she serves as the team’s primary hitter. Her ability to get quick, precise shots off has proven especially difficult for opponents to defend. Coupled with a flawless two-for-two at the stroke mark, van Kempen was named ACC Offensive Player of the Week.
“We’re proud of her. She needs to keep doing what she’s doing,” SU head coach Lynn Farquahar said. “I also want to give props to her teammates… on the circle edge, it’s really about executing the insert to the trap [in APCs] which sets [van Kempen] up. And that was sharp [last week]. Really sharp.”
Newcomers make a difference
It’s not just the veterans making an impact. Syracuse brings in 17 newcomers this season, including 13 freshmen, and Head Coach Lynn Farquahar emphasized them being involved.
“They’re going to be in the mix, so they’re going to figure it out and continue as they go. I have high hopes for them. They’re good hockey players and what’s even more exciting is their drive,” Coach Farquhar said.
With midfielder Willemijn Boogert graduated, Coach Farquhar has rotated players through the insert position, including freshman Henni Nation, who has already recorded an assist. Grad transfers Liz Stange (who logged minutes with Rutgers during the spring of 2021) and Danique Schuurman have also made a mark. Stange added three assists and a goal, and Schurman contributed two goals.
On the defensive end, both goalkeepers are new to the program: junior Jessie Eiselin and freshman Tane King each logged two quarters in the first two games. Freshmen Aubrey Turner (2), Karsin Beatty (1), and Ally Snyder (1) all scored their first collegiate goals, helping Syracuse maintain a fast start to the season.
“Our freshmen, our challenge for them is to get the ball to move. It’s a slightly different concept; however, they’re embracing it,” she added.
Scoring starts off-ball
Off-ball movement is a key focus for Syracuse, especially against this weekend’s competition. Players who are constantly cutting into space keeps the game high-tempo and stretches the defense, which opens passing lanes and generates better scoring chances. And contesting with top-20 teams like Rutgers and Ohio State that are very physical, strong off-ball movement can also help set up attacking penalty corners, where SU has proven to excel.
Syracuse takes on Rutgers Friday at 1, followed by a matchup with Ohio State Sunday at 2. Make sure to follow @SydneyO_Chan on X for all your in-game-updates!
