HARRISONBURG, Va.- The 2025 fall sports season is here! Throughout this week, we will be taking a sneak peek at the year ahead for all of our fall sports. Today, we wrap up the week with a look at field hockey before they begin the first season of the
Sydney Metz era at home on Sunday.
Head Coach:
Sydney Metz – First Season
Preseason ODAC Poll: 9th (10 pts.)
ODAC Preview
2024 In Review
The Royals had a rough go of it in 2024, but they did end the season on a high note with a 2-0 home win over Southern Virginia.
Morgan Leslie scored both goals for the Royals in the victory. Goalkeeper
Gracyn Arruda was also a bright spot for EMU, setting the school record for most saves in a season with 279.
2025 Schedule Highlights
Season/Home Opener: Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Cedar Crest (1 p.m.)
Rowdy Royals: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Meredith (4 p.m.)
Green Bandana Game: Saturday, Sept. 27 vs. Centre (12 p.m.)
ODAC Opener: Saturday, Oct. 4 at Randolph Macon (1 p.m.)
Homecoming: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. Roanoke (6 p.m.)
Route 42 Rivalry: Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Bridgewater (7 p.m.)
Senior Day: Saturday, Oct. 25 vs. Sweet Briar (4 p.m.)
Full Schedule
Key Losses: Gracyn Arruda,
Courtney Crawford,
Morgan Leslie
Key Returners: Sophia Armato,
Terranie Bennett,
Katie Tanous
Full Roster
Outlook: Metz will lead a young team with only two seniors that will look to improve throughout the season. First-year
Emma Huante will step into the cage as the Royals' goalkeeper to replace Arruda, who transferred to Division II Barton College. Bennett will anchor the defensive line in front of Huante, coming off a breakthrough first-year season in which she led the ODAC in defensive saves with 11. Tanous is the only returning scorer from a season ago, tallying two goals in 2024. After graduating in May, Crawford and Leslie shift to the coaching staff as volunteer assistants under Metz.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the EMU field hockey program this year, follow EMU Athletics on Instagram, like EMU Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.
