Following a strong start to the 2012 season, the UMass field hockey team entered the Nation Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Top-25 Poll on Tuesday morning, earning the No. 19 ranking in the nation. While the team recorded recognition from the NFHCA, senior midfielder Kim Young was lauded individually with the UMass Athlete of the Week honor.

Under the guidance of second-year head coach Carla Tagliente, the Minutewomen have already defeated a trio of ranked opponents through four games this season, playing each foe away from their home turf at Garber Field. In its most recent contest, UMass rallied by No. 17 Boston College, 2-1, in overtime to improve to 3-1 overall on the season. The Minutewomen also downed No. 18 New Hampshire and No. 15 Ohio State during their season-opening weekend in Durham, N.H., from Aug. 24-25, by identical 2-1 scores during overtime.

Young totaled a pair of goals to go with one assist over two contests during the previous week, including a game-tying mark against the Eagles before setting up the game-winning goal 21 seconds into the extra period. For the season, Young leads the Minutewomen with seven points on three goals and one assist.

UMass continues its season with a trip to College Park, Md., to face the No. 3-ranked Maryland Terrapins (3-1) on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012. Live statistics will be provided for the contest on UMassAthletics.com.