Rensselaer will begin this season looking to catch fire early on September 1 in the Zenaty Invitational, which takes place in Springfield, Mass. Things don’t get any easier from there, though, as the women will be very busy with five games in their first two weeks of play. This would be a daunting task for any team, but perhaps will amount to a test as to how far they can go and how much they can achieve this year.

Key returnees for the field hockey team include senior Michelle Clemente and juniors Kristiina Baker, Sara Stylinski, Kerri Clark, and Lisa Pak, who now make up the core of experienced upperclassmen who will look to provide team leadership. A strong and talented sophomore class, which did a lot of on-the-job training, as well as highly anticipated incoming freshmen will provide a youthful spark to a solid core of talent that will give Head Coach Bridget LaNoir much to work with.

<b>Cross Country</b>

The RPI men’s and women’s cross country teams will begin the season on September 8 in the Smith Invitational, which is to be held in Northampton, Mass. A week later, they will be back in action in New York for the New York University Invitational.

Head Coach Colin Tory and assistant coach Kevin Davis earned Coaching Staff of the Year last season and look to provide more insight as they try to lead the men to success again this season. Sophomore standout Eric Wyler, who was named Liberty League Rookie of the Year, is also back for the men’s team.

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams performed very well last year, each with three top-three finishes along the course of their rigorous schedules. Look for each program to get off on the right foot early this season the same way they did a year ago.

<b>Women’s Tennis</b>

The RPI women’s tennis team will kick off this year when it hosts the Rensselaer Invitational, held in Prospect Park. The team will play on consecutive days, September 1 and 2, with both contests starting at 9 am.