Field Hockey to Face Nation's Best
Demon Deacons set 1998 schedule.

August 25, 1998

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The National Field Hockey Coaches Association released its preseason poll today and Wake Forest just missed the top 20, ranking 22nd in the poll. However, seven Wake Forest opponents were among the top twenty, including ACC rival Virginia at number one. Other ACC teams ranked included North Carolina (#4), Maryland (#6) and Duke (#18). The Demon Deacons will face both the Tar Heels and Blue Devils twice this season.

Wake Forest will play a total of nine games against teams ranked in the preseason poll. Its first top 20 opponent of the season will be 11th ranked and defending Big 10 champion Michigan. The Deacons will take on the Wolverines on Sept. 7 in St. Louis at the ACC/Big 10 Challenge.

WFU will also battle 12th ranked American on Sept. 11 in Richmond and number 15 Kent State at home on Sept. 20 in addition to its conference opponents.

The Deacons open the season in St. Louis on Sept. 5 against Northwestern as a part of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge.

1998 Wake Forest ACC schedule

Sept. 16 at Duke*
Sept. 26 vs. Maryland
Oct. 3 vs. North Carolina*
Oct. 6 vs Duke
Oct. 24 at Virginia
Oct. 27 at North Carolina
*Don't count toward conference record

1998 STX/NFCA Division I Preseason Poll
1. Virginia
2. Old Dominion
3. Princeton
4. North Carolina
5. Penn State
6. Maryland
7. Northeastern
8. Connecticut
9. James Madison
10. Ball State
11. Michigan
12. American
13. Ohio State
14. Boston College
15. Kent State
16. Syracuse
Massachusetts
18. Duke
19. Delaware
20. Boston University
Iowa
Also receiving votes: Wake Forest