NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware field hockey team begins its 2007 season on Thursday when the Blue Hens open pre-season camp.

Led by 15th-year head coach Carol Miller, Delaware returns eight starters from the 2006 squad that finished 7-12 overall and 3-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Blue Hens will be led by junior Casey Howard (at right), who posted team-highs of nine goals and 19 points a year ago while being named to the NFHCA All-Mid Atlantic Region First Team.

Delaware is scheduled to practice from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. most days at Rullo Stadium. Practice sessions are open to the public.

The Blue Hens open their 2007 regular season on August 25 when Delaware takes on Ohio State at the OSU Buckeye Classic in Columbus, OH. Delaware begins the year with four road games before hosting Rutgers on September 7 at Rullo Stadium in its home opener.

In addition to Howard the Blue Hens also welcome back Molly Burke, who finished second on the team a year ago with seven goals and third with 16 points. Tori Karsten, a CAA All-Rookie Team selection last season when she finished the year with eight points, also returns, as well as fellow sophomore Alexis Esbitt who tallied six points.