Jan 4, 2010 9:05:34 AM

Even though Earlham is moving to a new conference next fall, it will retain ties with the North Coast Athletic Conference in field hockey.

Earlham will play the sport as the NCAC's first affiliate member.

"While the conference rarely confers affiliate status, our members' long relationship with Earlham College made it seem obvious to include the Quakers in our field hockey lineup, providing a better competitive experience for women across the NCAC," said Denison President Dale Knobel, current league president.

Earlham, which will compete in 13 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference sports beginning in fall 2010, remains one of seven schools competing for the NCAC field hockey championship.

"It is great news for the women in our field hockey program now and those who will join us in the future," said Earlham Athletics Director Frank Carr. "To be able to continue to participate in and gain recognition from being in the North Coast Athletic Conference is wonderful."

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Earlham, especially in a way that benefits our student-athletes," said acting NCAC Executive Director Keri Alexander Luchowski. "This helps provide NCAC teams with a quality in-region opponent, one that has been a valued member of our conference for more than 20 years."