New Jersey

U.S. Women's Field Hockey Team's Road to Rio Olympics Goes Through Lancaster County

As the 2016 Rio Olympics quickly approach, the U.S. Women's National Field Hockey Team trained in Pennsylvania with hopes of bringing home gold.

The team -- filled with women with ties to the Philadelphia region -- is based out of Spooky Nooky Sports in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Last month they came in third at the Hockey Champions Trophy event in London, England.

"My story began in Blue Bell, where I was cheering in the crowd. Now, I hear the crowd cheering me on. 9 Days until the Olympics!!" Striker, Katie Bam tweeted to her fans.

Coming off the impressive showing in London, the team's final test before Brazil is a match Tuesday night against Canada. The finale caps the three match Citi Send-Off Series hosted by Spooky Nook. The U.S. split the first two matches with India.

Tuesday is Rio Send-Off Night and fans are encouraged to wear the colors of Brazil's green, yellow and navy flag. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for USA Field Hockey members and $10 for children younger than 18 and those 65 and older.

"Nook Sports is one of the most spectacular athletic facilities in the country. The location is idea as many of our athletes come from the east coast, especially the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia area," The USA Field Hockey website reads. "The Home of Hockey will provide us with a platform to best prepare our National Teams for success in international competition and serve as a beacon and center of excellent for developing athletes of all ages."

Head Coach Craig Parnam announced the final U.S. Women’s National Team roster earlier this month. Here are the players from the area to look out for:

Katie Bam - No. 16 - From Blue Bell, Pa.

Jacklyn Briggs - No. 31 - From Robesonia, Pa.

Ali Campbell - No. 30 - From Gilbertsville, Pa.

Lauren Crandall - No. 27 - From Doylestown, Pa.

Rachel Dawson -No. 8 - From Berlin, NJ

Katleyn Falgowski - No. 23 - From Landenberg, Pa.

Kelsey Kolojejchick - No. 7 - From Larksville, Pa.

Alyssa Manley - No. 29 - From Lititz, Pa.

Julia Reinprecht - No. 12 - From Perkasie, Pa.

Katie Reinprecht - No. 14 - From Perkasie, Pa.

Paige Selenski - No. 21 - From Shavertown, Pa.

Kathleen Sharkey - No. 24 - From Moosic, Pa.

Caitlin Van Sickle - No. 28 - From Wilmington, Del.

Michelle Vittese -No. 9 - From Cherry Hill, NJ

Jill Whitmer - No. 10 - From Lancaster, Pa.

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