PISCATAWAY, N.J.– Rutgers field hockey is set to have four captains for this upcoming season. Guillermina Causarano and Sophia Howard return for their third season as team captains. They will be joined by Bridy Molyneaux and Paulina Niklaus for the upcoming campaign as the team will have a quartet of captains for the upcoming season.
 
"We're so fortunate to have Sophia and Bridy back for another year, they are incredibly players, leaders and people. To have their experience back will make a big difference for our team this year," head coach Meredith Civico explained. "Guillermina is an incredible person and athlete, she is super hard working. Paulina is so experienced and so mature, she has an amazing way of leading on the field. This group of captains we have this year is really amazing. It's a strong and versatile group."
 
Causarano has played in 61 games over her three seasons 'On the Banks', scoring 16 goals and adding 12 assists in that time. A First Team All-Big Ten selection last season, the native of Salta, Argentina is a two-time all-region honoree.

"I've learned a lot along the way of being a captain, and we Sophia as my co-captain," Causarano said. "Now have great additions to that captain group with Bridy and Paulina I think it was my hockey IQ that brought me there and helps me express what I know about field hockey tactics, I think that's my strength as a captain."

Howard returns for her redshirt senior campaign with 45 starts of experience in the cage for RU, with a 73.1% save percentage and 1.52 goals-against average in that time. The Auckland, New Zealand native has made 170 career saves, with 12 shutouts, and was a Second Team All-Region selection last season.
 
"This year it is exciting to have four captains, we have a really great bunch," Howard said. "It's always about being able to work with the others as a leadership group, and the biggest thing is setting an example for the younger players."
 
Molyneaux enters the fall season as a redshirt senior, with 75 games of experience at RU. The Fair Haven, N.J. native has scored 18 goals (with eight game-winners) and added two assists across 45 starts at forward as she is set for her first fall season as team captain.
 
Niklaus had a standout debut season for RU last year, as the Manheim, Germany native had 10 points (three goals and four assists) across 17 starts in her first year 'On the Banks'. Set to be a senior this upcoming year, she was named a Second Team All-Big Ten, Second Team All-Region and All-Big Ten Tournament Team selection last year.
 
"I hope to set an example on the field for younger players," Niklaus said. "I feel like I can help guide our new players through the whole process. I feel comfortable now leading the team, organizing and communicating."
 
Rutgers field hockey enters preseason training camp under the leadership of these four captains eager to build off a 16-win campaign and NCAA Tournament appearance last season. The season opener is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, as RU will host Vermont.