WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University field hockey team was picked to finish sixth in the BIG EAST Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll announced on Wednesday. The Hoyas, who finished the 2013 season with an overall record of 2-16 received five points.

The UConn Huskies, who were the 2013 NCAA Field Hockey Champions, were selected first with 25 points overall and five first-place votes, Old Dominion was picked to finish second with 21 points and one first place vote. Temple, Providence and Villanova were third through fifth with 16, 14 and nine points, respectively.

Georgetown returns 16 players from last year's squad, 10 of which saw action in 12 games or more. Among the returners is junior forward Sarah Butterfield (Bridgewater, N.J. /Oak Knoll) who was the team's top goal scorer last season with six. Junior midfielder Emily Weinberg (Shaker Heights, Ohio/ Hathaway Brown) also returns to the squad; Weinberg played in and started all 18 games last season and scored two goals for the Hoyas.

The team, which played an exhibition game against VCU on Aug. 19, will play one more exhibition on Aug. 24 against La Salle in Philadelphia, Pa. before officially beginning the season on Aug. 29 when they travel to Boone, N.C. to take on Appalachian State.

The Hoyas and first year head coach Shannon Soares are anxious for the challenges that come with a new season.

"We are very excited about the season ahead and thrilled about having the opportunity to create a new identity for Georgetown Field Hockey," said Soares. "With that opportunity, comes great responsibility, higher expectations, and a belief in the process. We look forward to the challenges ahead."

With the addition of four new teammates and both of the team's top goal scorers returning, this season - Georgetown University's first playing at Multi-Sport field - will be full of excitement.