Having recently defended its Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference title, the West Chester University field hockey team is now the favorite to capture the NCAA Division II crown, writes Neil Geoghegan for the Daily Local News.

The Golden Rams, who defeated Shippensburg 3-1 earlier this month to win the PSAC championship, failed to make the NCAA tournament last year due to six regular-season losses. This year, however, has been a different story.

“Something we talked about from last November is making sure we win the conference, but also making sure we take care of business along the way, so we can also compete for a national title,” said coach Amy Cohen.

With an overall record of 17-2, WCU will meet Shippensburg again, this time in the national semifinals on Thursday at 2 PM in Pittsburgh.

“We think we are the team to beat,” said forward Caitlin Kelly, a Bishop Shanahan graduate. “We all want it so badly, and I think we have a really good shot.”

Read more about the West Chester University field hockey team in the Daily Local News here.