JMU field hockey’s West, Stijntjes named to 2014 Preseason All-CAA Team

Redshirt-junior midfielder Taylor West (Princess Anne, Md./Pocomoke) and junior back Loes Stijntjes (Steenokkerzeel, Belgium/Heilig Hartcollege) represented JMU field hockey on the 2014 Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association team, the league announced Thursday.

West garnered All-CAA First Team honors in 2013 after leading the Dukes with 14 goals and 33 points, the most by a single JMU player since 2010 (Amy Daniel – 19 goals, 47 points).  She posted two three-goal performances during the season and received CAA Player of the Week honors twice.  She was tabbed to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-South Region Second Team and the Virginia Sports Information All-State Second Team last year.

Stijntjes is a two-time Preseason All-CAA honoree after making the team in 2013.  After earning a spot on the CAA All-Rookie team in 2012, she received All-CAA Second Team accolades in 2013.  She has appeared in 26 consecutive games and 36 overall, starting all of the them.

JMU was picked to finish fourth in the 2014 CAA Field Hockey Preseason Coaches Poll after ending the 2013 season in a three-way tie for third place.  Madison posted a 10-8 overall record with a 3-3 record against conference opponents.

The Dukes are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their first national championship (1994) and the 40th anniversary of the field hockey program in 2014.  JMU opens the season at Kent State on August 30 at 1 p.m. before returning home to face Longwood on September 5 at 7 p.m.

2014 PRESEASON ALL-CAA FIELD HOCKEY TEAM
Player, School, Pos., Cl.; Hometown
Jonel Boileau, Hofstra, F, Sr.; Kelowna, BC, Canada
Christina Conrad, Drexel, M/F, Sr.; Fallston, Md.
Lauren Hibshman, Drexel, B/M, Jr.; Allentown, Pa.
Michaela Patzner, Delaware, M, Jr.; Rosenheim, Germany
Esmée Peet, Delaware, M, So.; Zeewolde, The Netherlands 
Pippin Saunders, William and Mary, F/M, Jr.; Mittagong, New South Wales
Stella Schoen, Hofstra, F/M, So.; Hamburg, Germany
Natalie Stewart, Northeastern, M, So.; Vancouver, BC, Canada
Loes Stijntjes, James Madison, B/M,  Jr.; Steenokkerzeel, Belgium
Jessica Unger, Northeastern, F/M, So.; Macungie, Pa.
Taylor West, James Madison, M/F, R-Jr.; Princess Anne, Md.
Meghan Winesett, Delaware, F, So.; Centreville, Va.
Jantien Gunter, Drexel, GK, Sr.; Groningen, Netherlands 

2014 Preseason Player of the Year: Esmée Peet, Delaware
                                                
Honorable Mention: Becky Garner, Northeastern; Jessica McCarthy, Drexel; Maria Pastor, William & Mary; Carissa Witmer, Hofstra