NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Newberry College Wolves are set to open the 2025 field hockey season with plenty of momentum, entering the year as the preseason favorite in the South Atlantic Conference. It marks the program's first-ever No. 1 preseason ranking in the SAC, continuing a steady rise in recent years. The Wolves were ranked No. 5 in 2019-20, No. 3 in 2020-21, No. 4 in 2021-22, No. 5 in 2022-23, No. 3 in 2023-24, and No. 2 just last season.

Up front, Parker Keeler has proven to be one of Newberry's top scoring threats. She started 18 games in 2024 and finished with eight goals, five assists, and 21 points, while also adding a game-winning goal. Her consistency showed in both production and minutes, logging 1,000 on the year with a .276 shooting percentage.

Fellow junior forward Wibien Dahmen brings even more firepower to the attack. She posted six goals and four assists (16 points) across 19 games, with an impressive three game-winners, showing her ability to deliver in clutch moments.

In the midfield, senior Lieke Varenkamp is back after recording four goals, five assists, and 13 points in 2024. She also tallied a game-winning goal and will provide leadership and creativity in her final season.

Payton Keeler has been the glue in the middle of the field, starting all 19 games last fall. She played a team-high 1,088 minutes, added one goal and three assists, and even recorded a defensive save—a true workhorse for the Wolves.

The list is rounded out by freshman Amber Tozana, who enters her first season in Newberry scarlet and gray. The talented newcomer will look to make her mark early on and add another spark to an already strong lineup.

The Wolves kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, September 6 at Setzler Field, with first push set for 12 p.m. Fans can find the full schedule and ticket details newberrywolves.com.