Syracuse Field Hockey Maintains Its Edge Through Massive Roster Change
By: Sydney Chan | @SydneyO_Chan
No. 5 Syracuse field hockey welcomed 17 newcomers this season. That’s nearly two-thirds of the roster.
For most programs, that much change would signal a rebuilding year marked by inevitable growing pains. But for the Orange, it’s been the opposite. After opening the season ranked 11th nationally, SU has held a spot in the top six of the National Field Hockey Coaches Association poll every week since its release.
The Orange are 9-2 heading into their West Coast swing this weekend to face Stanford and California, playing with the same precision and rhythm that’s defined head coach Lynn Farquahr’s tenure. The difference is simple: a roster full of new players who’ve learned to think, move, and lead like veterans, in just a few months, coupled with a strong returning core.
Farquhar said the team’s slogan, “Built Different,” reflects the confidence and chemistry the newcomers brought from day one, quickly embraced by the veteran group.
The winning culture has shown clearly in every part of the field. The Cuse’s backfield, anchored by veterans Bo van Kempen and Pati Strunk, alongside graduate newcomers Lottie Knights and Danique Schuurman, has gelled seamlessly.
Schuurman, who arrived from the Netherlands this fall, connects everything between the back line and the attack in a defensive midfield role. Her ability to anticipate pace and dictate tempo makes her a crucial part of the team. Her precision in her passes allows Syracuse to play its possession-based style with confidence and speed.
Then there’s the goalie rotation, featuring two new faces: junior Jessie Eiselin and freshman Tane King. Eiselin has started every game this season except the most recent contest, when King made her first career start against Colgate on senior night. King ranks 12th in the nation in goals-against average (1.051). The friendly competition between the two has kept both goalies sharp and the defense grounded.
Offensively, the Orange continue to thrive on penalty corner efficiency. They’ve converted roughly 30% of their chances this season, which is nearly identical to last year’s top-tier mark. That success comes from crisp execution and trust among new and returning players. Senior Pati Strunk is often at the insert mark, while graduate newcomer Liz Stange plays a key role at the top of the circle, stopping the ball for the top hitter, often Bo van Kemen, to fire off her shot. Penalty corners have become a cornerstone of SU’s offensive identity.
The Cuse’s scoring isn’t limited to corners, though. Freshmen Aubrey Turner and Ally Snyder are tied for third on the team with four goals, every one coming from field play; while freshmen Karsin Beatty and Sammie Goin have also contributed with two and one goals, respectively. Plus, freshman Taylor Bigbie has been a standout as a versatile two-way player, providing stability on both ends of the field.
As SU embarks on its Golden State swing, it’s easy to forget how new its roster really is. This three-game stretch (Colgate, Stanford, and California) marks the Orange’s longest run without a ranked opponent since Farquhar’s first six games at the helm. This West Coast trip offers a prime opportunity to build cohesion and confidence on the road before they return to the 315 for their final regular-season home game: a showdown with national runner-up North Carolina.
Syracuse faces Stanford tomorrow at 8pm Eastern, then battles California on Sunday at 4pm Eastern. Follow @SydneyO_Chan on X for all your in-game updates and further coverage throughout the season!
