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WALTHAM, Mass. – The 2025 Bentley field hockey team gets its first taste of competition not in Waltham, nor in New England, and not even in the United States. Instead, the Falcons travel to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, Aug. 8-16, where they will play three matches against European teams.
Bentley is taking advantage of an NCAA initiative that allows programs to travel and compete overseas once every four years.
The field hockey program has spent the past couple of years fundraising specifically for this trip. In addition, a generous donor helped to allow for all 26 student-athletes, including incoming freshmen, to make the trip.
“This trip would not be possible without the support of our alumni and a very generous contribution from an anonymous donor,” said Bentley head coach Jessica Spencer. “We are beyond grateful for this opportunity to experience the European field hockey culture as a team to kick off the 2025 fall season.”
The trip begins with a practice session at the Pinoke Hockey Club upon landing in Amsterdam this Friday. While in Amsterdam, the team will take one of the city’s canal cruises, a bike tour along the coast, and a windmill tour. The Falcons will also visit the Anne Frank House.
Bentley’s first match is Aug. 9 against Mixed Hockey Club Castricum.
On Aug. 11, the Falcons hop the bus to Belgium. The day begins with a tour in the city of Antwerp, before settling in Brussels.
Bentley’s second match of the trip is Aug. 12 against the Dutch team HC Nova. The following day, the Falcons head to Germany where they will visit the cities of Cologne and Aachen.
The third and final game of the trip is in Aachen, Aug. 14, against Aachener HC.
The Falcons become field hockey spectators for the final full day of the trip. The team will attend the 2025 Women’s EuroHockey Championship in Monchengladbach, Germany.