Pace University Women’s field hockey has kicked off fall 2017 to a great start by going 3-0 with wins against Saint Thomas Aquinas College, Southern Connecticut State University and Assumption College

The team only started practicing in mid-August but already has the right mentality and physical excellence that is pushed by its coaches.

“We have a lot of potential this year,” said junior Communications major Margaret Maclean. “We have great work ethic and we have our coach to thank for that.”

The Setters scored an average of six shots per game this season and holds a short percentage of 0.216.

Incoming freshmen such as Aniek Kroezen and Lieke van Nieuwenhuizen of The Netherlands will bring new potential to a thriving team, given their high school field hockey reputation.

In addition to this field hockey team’s physical talent, the players also take team bonding seriously.

The athletes practice a tradition called “Spirit Buddies,” where every week one teammate is randomly matched with another. In return, the girls will give gifts and/or snacks and exchange compliments to boost morale.

“I’m from Maryland, so I got a little flag with crabs and all this Maryland stuff I absolutely loved it,” Maclean said.

This tradition started with the team’s first coach in order to better unite the team.

“It’s touching to be noticed. It shows that we truly care for each other and have each other’s back, ” said senior Biology major Lesly Sanchez Alvarez.

Before every game the girls will cheer, “GO DOGS!” and slap their lucky dog paw before heading to the field – a tradition that appears to be working.

“We need more fans. This is our last season, and we’re not done yet. Come to some games,” said Sanchez Alvarez.