WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. ? The Monmouth University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the dedication of their new field hockey turf, “So Sweet A Cat” field, set for this Friday, October 12, before the Hawks face Saint Francis [Pa.] at 3:00 p.m. The afternoon's events will begin at 2:00 p.m. at the new field, which is located between Kessler Field and the Monmouth University Softball Complex.
 
The afternoon's schedule of events begins with refreshments at the field at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 2:45 p.m. with the ribbon cutting and ceremonial ball drop, which will be followed by the match between the Hawks and Red Flash.
 
“This is the first major capital gift made by a woman for women, and we are excited and delighted that Jane has made such a commitment to us,” said Dr. Marilyn McNeil, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “We look forward to great field hockey success on ?So Sweet A Cat' field.”
 
The new turf field was made possible through the considerable contribution of Jane Freed. The field's name, “So Sweet A Cat”, is named in memory of one of Freed's horses. The name is taken from a poem titled “Mistress Gurton's Cat: A Domestic Tale” by Mary Darby Robinson. The horse was a race mare that won her first race as a two-year old, and her last race as a five-year old. The horse also claimed a win at famous Saratoga Park and was named Horse of the Year in 2004 at the Finger Lakes. Kathleen Stefanelli also helped make this project possible with a generous donation.

The product name of the new turf is Astrograss N. It is the same fiber used in traditional Astroturf, with just slightly different construction. It is by the company and family of hockey products that is found in over 50 Division I field hockey facilities.  The field was built by the Sports Construction Group, which has become the premier builder of hockey pitches in the country.  Recent installs in addition to Monmouth include Duke, Colgate, Penn State,and Miami of Ohio. 

The game is also Monmouth University Field Hockey Fan Appreciation Day powered by Velocity Sports, and the first 100 fans will receive shirts. There will also be other prizes and giveaways.