Bucknell University Athletics
Mucelli, Wills Voted Preseason All-Patriot League in Field Hockey
8/23/2016 1:41:00 PM | Field Hockey
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell seniors Amy Mucelli and Anna Wills were voted to the Preseason All-Patriot League Field Hockey Team, which was released by the conference office on Tuesday. Additionally, the league released its annual preseason poll, which had the Bison predicted to finish fourth and qualify for the conference tournament for the ninth straight season.
Mucelli, now a two-time Preseason All-Patriot League selection, was voted Second Team All-Patriot League following her junior season. The midfielder played a key role in Bucknell's defensive effort, while adding five points on one goal and three assists. She has been a mainstay in the Bison's lineup with starting nods in 40 consecutive games.
Wills, a defender, is also a two-time Preseason All-PL honoree. She is coming off a First Team All-Patriot League selection as a junior while contributing on both the offensive and defensive ends. She finished the 2015 season with seven points on three goals and one assist, and has now tallied five goals and three assists through the first three seasons of her career. Additionally, Wills is a two-time member of the Academic All-Patriot League Team.
The Bison finished fourth in the league standings last season and were projected to land in the same spot in 2016, picking up 43 points in the poll. Two-time defending league champion Boston University is the favorite with 69 points and nine first-place votes, while American was picked second with 64 points and four first-place votes. Lafayette received one first-place vote and finished third in the poll with 48 points. Holy Cross (31), Lehigh (26) and Colgate (13) rounded out the poll behind the Bison.
The Terriers also received both of the major preseason awards. Senior Hester van der Laan was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while senior Ellie Landsman was voted the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
2016 Patriot League Field Hockey Preseason Poll:
1. Boston University, 69 points (9 first-place votes)
2. American, 64 (4)
3. Lafayette, 48 (1)
4. Bucknell, 43
5. Holy Cross, 31
6. Lehigh, 26
7. Colgate, 13
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Hester van der Laan, Sr., M, Boston Univ.
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Ellie Landsman, Sr., M, Boston Univ.
2016 Patriot League Field Hockey Preseason All-League Team
Natalie Konerth, American (Sr., F)*
Rafaela Rubas, American (So., M)*
Amanda Cassera, Boston Univ. (Sr., F)
Ellie Landsman, Boston Univ. (Sr., M)
Hester van der Laan, Boston Univ. (Sr., M)*
Amy Mucelli, Bucknell (Sr., M)
Anna Wills, Bucknell (Sr., D)
Maria Krull, Colgate (Jr., GK) #
Katelyn Arnold, Lafayette (Sr., GK) #
Ellen Colbourne, Lafayette (Jr., M/F)
Amanda Magadan, Lafayette (Sr., F/M)*
Teresa Carotenuto, Lehigh (So., F)*
* unanimous selection
# tie in voting
