PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers field hockey will begin the season in the national rankings, as the NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll was released. The Scarlet Knights are ranked 19^th in the preseason rankings.

The Scarlet Knights earned the ranking after completing a 13-win season last year that saw the program earn its first NCAA Tournament berth since 1986. RU was ranked in the final 10 polls of the season last year, peaking as high as 10^th. Rutgers set a program record with five ranked wins, including vanquishing two top-10 foes.

The Scarlet Knights will play in the first game of the NCAA field hockey season this Friday, opening the year with a noon contest against No. 24 Maine. The Black Bears are one of 11 opponents that the Scarlet Knights will face this season to be ranked in the preseason poll. That includes six Big Ten foes and six top-10 teams. The program will host No. 2 Maryland, No. 7 Michigan, No. 15 Northwestern, No. 16 Delaware and No. 24 Maine, while traveling to No. 4 UConn, No. 5 Princeton, No. 8 Iowa, No. 9 Penn State, No. 14 Ohio State and No. 17 Saint Joseph's.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Twitter (@RUFieldHockey) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.