Aug. 7, 2012

BERKELEY - The California field hockey squad takes to the pitch on Wednesday, Aug. 8, to open training camp for the 2012 season. After winning the NorPac Tournament last season and making the NCAA Tournament play-in game, the team is excited to compete once again.

California returns 12 players who appeared in at least 19 games last season, including co-NorPac Western Conference Player of the Year junior midfielder Andrea Earle. Also returning is NorPac Maria Whitehead Rookie of the Year Lara Kruggel.

"We had a very strong team last year and I think we've upgraded," said coach Shellie Onstead, who is entering her 18th season at the helm, "Having only lost two players, we're in a really good place. The enthusiasm in the group is at a real high. I'm very optimistic for the season."

Fans in the Bay Area can tune into the Pac-12 Networks for a field hockey preview show on Thursday, Aug. 23, at 5:30 p.m. To find out if you have the Pac-12 Networks, visit http://www.calbears.com/ot/pac12-cal.html.

The Golden Bears open the season on Friday, Aug. 24, when they host defending NCAA D-1 champion Maryland on Maxwell Family Field at 5 p.m. with television coverage provided by the Pac-12 Networks. The game will be the first ever home televised game for Cal field hockey.