CLEVELAND (JMU Athletics) – James Madison field hockey was predicted to finish third in its inaugural season in the Mid-American Conference, the league announced Wednesday afternoon.

The Dukes, coming off two years as an independent, tallied 49 points and one tournament champion vote. Defending conference tournament champion Miami (Ohio) earned 63 points and seven first-place votes, while App State totaled 54 points and one first-place vote. Kent State claimed the final first-place nod and picked up 46 points for fourth.

The RedHawks received six votes to repeat as MAC Tournament champions, followed by Kent State (2) and JMU (1).

The Mid-American Conference Field Hockey Championship is scheduled for Nov. 6-9 in Oxford, Ohio, hosted by Miami (Ohio).

The Dukes will begin their 2024 campaign on Friday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Villanova to the JMU Field Hockey Complex. The contest is slated for 4 p.m. and will stream on ESPN+.

2024 MAC Field Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll (First Place Votes)
1. Miami (Ohio) – 63 points (7)
2. App State – 54 points (1)
3. James Madison – 49 points
4. Kent State – 46 points (1)
5. Ohio – 33 points
6. Ball State – 27 points
7. Bellarmine – 21 points
8. Longwood – 20 points
9. Central Michigan – 11 points

MAC Tournament Champion: Miami (Ohio) (6), Kent State (2), James Madison (1)

— JMU Athletics —