HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. - The first official week of competition is upon us as all five fall Centenary University athletic teams will be in action in the next seven days. "This Week in Cyclone Athletics" gives you a chance to plan when and where you can catch your favorite Cyclone squad in action.

---

Women's Soccer: The defending Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Champion women's soccer team opens its 2019 campaign at home this week by hosting the Cyclone Kickoff Classic. The action begins on Friday, August 30 as Otterbein takes on Drew at 1 p.m. The Cyclones hit the field at 3 p.m. as they play host to Albright. On Saturday, August 31 the action again begins at 1 p.m. as Otterbein battles Albright. The tournament wraps up at 3 p.m. as the Cyclones take on in-state rival Drew. 

On Friday, August 30, women's basketball will host its "Food Fest"  in the parking lot as fans will have a chance to purchase food and drinks starting at 12:30 p.m.

The Cyclones were picked to finish in the CSAC Preseason Poll and return 12 letter winners from a year ago. That group includes the 2018 CSAC Player of the Year in senior Chloe Christopher. Christopher led the team in scoring with 46 points on 19 goals and eight assists. Other returners include senior Raeanna Cope and sophomore Rachel Colt who both earned Second Team All-CSAC accolades. Cope and Colt led the defensive unit that did not allow a goal in CSAC play.

Women's Soccer Schedule
Friday, Aug. 30 - Otterbein/Drew at 1 p.m.; Centenary hosts Albright at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Otterbein/Albright at 1 p.m.; Centenary hosts Drew at 3 p.m.

Men's Soccer: The men's soccer gets its 2019 campaign underway this weekend as it travels to the Drew Fall Festival. The Cyclones open their season by taking on Drew on Friday, August 30 at 3 p.m. Depending on Friday's results Centenary will then take on either SUNY New Paltz or Stockton on Saturday, August 31. That game will be played either at 1 or 3 p.m.

Head coach Josh Spivack and the Cyclones were picked to finish third in the CSAC Preseason Poll. Spivack will look to senior Matt Miller, who earned First Team All-CSAC accolades a year ago to lead the way. Among the other returners from a year ago is sophomore Besnik Hadzovic who earned All-CSAC Honorable Mention as a rookie.

Men's Soccer Schedule
Friday, Aug. 30 - Centenary at Drew at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Centenary versus either Stockton or SUNY New Paltz at Drew at 1/3 p.m.

Field Hockey: The Cyclones begin their first fall with field hockey as an NCAA sponsored sport this week. Head coach Stephen Speirs and the Cyclones head to Bryn Athyn on Saturday, August 31 for a 12 p.m.

Speirs and the Cyclones were picked to finish sixth in the CSAC Preseason Poll. The Cyclones welcomed in a class of 11 freshmen for this fall, including Megan Baker and Jordan Vandermark who both played for Speirs at Hackettstown High School last fall. 

Field Hockey Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Centenary at Bryn Athyn at 12 p.m.

Volleyball: Centenary opens up its 2019 season on Saturday, August 31 by heading to Penn State Abington for a tri-match. The Cyclones will take on Valley Forge at 12 p.m. and the host Nittany Lions at 2 p.m.

Centenary was picked to finish 10th in the CSAC Preseason Poll. Head coach Kelsey Walter will look to a group of five seniors to lead the way, including Melissa Krueger, who had 119 assists, 31 kills and 98 digs last fall. 

Volleyball Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Centenary vs. Valley Forge at PSU Abington at 12 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Centenary at PSU Abington at 2 p.m.

Cross Country: The Cyclones kick start their 2019 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 when they travel to Delaware Valley to take part in the DelVal Invitational at 10 a.m.

The Cyclone men were selected to finish fourth in the CSAC Preseason Poll while the Cyclone women were slotted sixth in the poll. Head coach William Crowell II will look to senior Justin Staszak, who was the men's top finisher last year and senior Cassidy Haller, who earned First Team All-CSAC accolades to lead the way on the course.

Cross Country Schedule
Saturday, Aug. 31 - Centenary at DelVal Invitational at 10 a.m.