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PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers field hockey begins its 2016 campaign this weekend, with a pair of back-to-back games. The year begins on Friday afternoon in Lewisburg, Pa. against Bucknell, while Saturday afternoon is the home opener against VCU.

The Scarlet Knights return 16 letterwinners from a seven-win season last year. RU is led by an eight-person senior class, which includes team captains Alyssa Bull and Devon Freshnock. Rachel Yaney (six goals, 15 points in 2015) is the team's leading returning scorer, while sophomore Linde van Schaik (Second Team All-Big Ten in 2015) and back Sofia Walia join Bull as Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch.

Rutgers will open against Bucknell for the third straight season, winning the past two. Last season, RU defeated the Bison 3-1, with now-senior Rachel Yaney scoring the game-winning tally late in the first half. The 2014 contest was an overtime thriller, with the 3-2 RU victory including a game-tying penalty stroke goal by Sofia Walia. Rutgers holds a 7-1 advantage in the all-time series, and a 2-0 mark on the road.

Bucknell went 8-11 last season, with a 5-3 record at home. The team was picked to finish fourth in the Patriot League. Senior midfielder Amy Mucelli and senior defender Anna Wills were voted to the Preseason All-Patriot League Team. Wills was a First Team All-Patriot League selection at the end of last season, while Mucelli was a Second Team honoree.

Saturday afternoon, RU faces Virginia Commonwealth for the first time since 2008, holding a 3-1 all-time series record and two game winning streak. The last matchup was a 4-0 victory for the Scarlet Knights. The Rams finished last season with a 6-12 record.

Saturday's game will be Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The team will wear pink warmups in support of alumni and honorary captain Jennifer Noon. Noon was a First Team All- BIG EAST Selection at RU and is currently the head coach of Fairleigh Dickinson.