FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood field hockey will honor seniors Jennifer Burris, Hollie MacDonald and Meghan O'Connor and host Appalachian State in this season's home finale at 3 p.m. at the Athletics Complex.

The trio has made major contributions since the 2012 season, leading the program to 28 total wins during that time, including a 16-10 record in conference play. They also played a vital role in the program becoming a member of the Mid-American Conference in 2014. They share a combined 113 points over the past four years.

"This class has been through a lot of transition with the program," said head coach Iain Byers. "Their loyalty to where we have been trying to go as a coaching staff is amazing. They're all important members of the team and key contributors to our successes both on and off the field."

Burris, a forward from Virginia Beach, Va., ranks 10th on the program's all-time career goals list with 26. The 2014 first-team All-MAC selection has been a reliable force for the Lancer attack since joining the squad, amassing 65 starts in 73 games played. She also creates great looks for her teammates, sitting in ninth place on Longwood's all-time career assists chart with 18. As a junior, Burris led the team with eight goals, and this season has hit the net six times. She enters the game tied for the team lead in goals (6) and points (13).

"Jen has been a critical member of the front line since her freshmen year," Byers said. "Her leadership of the team and loyalty to the program over the last few years has been important to our progress. I know that she will go on to great things."

A midfielder from Yorktown, Va., MacDonald has scored a career-high six goals and 13 points during her senior season, tied for the team lead in both categories and seventh in the MAC, in addition to one assist to her credit. MacDonald was second on the team in goals scored and points as a junior in 2014, when she scored four goals and 12 points to earn second-team All-MAC honors. During that same year, MacDonald scored two game-winning goals, which came in back-to-back contests against Davidson and MAC foe Ball State. She added her third career game-winner in a 2-1 over Towson. MacDonald has notched a goal in each of the last three home finales, and looks to add one more to the streak Friday.

"Hollie's growth over these past four years has been very impressive," Byers said. "She has always been an important member of the team, and her confidence and self-belief has allowed her to be consistent performer for the team. As she moves on to the next chapter, I know she will go on to big things."
 
One of the most influential and experienced players in program history, O'Connor, a midfielder from Stafford, Va., has recorded 60 starts in 72 career appearances.  Her influence on the flow of the game extends from playing the backline to attacking from midfield. As a sophomore, she started 17 games on the backline. A dynamic all-around player, O'Connor's four career points include one goal against Kent State this season and two assists in 2013, coming against American and Davidson. O'Connor holds a .500 shot-on-goal percentage for her career, including a perfect 1.000 percentage this season.

"Meghan's ability to play multiple positions through the midfield has been such an asset for the team during her time here," Byers said. "Her versatility and willingness to work for the team is going to be missed when she enters the best stage of her life."

Longwood (4-7, 2-2 MAC) comes into Friday's game averaging 1.68 goals per game with an efficient .578 shot-on-goal percentage on the season. The Lancers take on a Mountaineer squad entering the game on a two-game winning streak.

The Lancers look to their seniors, who have played in 16 home wins, for leadership to help guide them to victory one last time on their home turf.

"They bestow many of the virtues we have constantly talked about as a group, and we are proud of them to get to their senior game," said Byers. "We're sorry to see them go, but they're going to go into great things, so we're very excited for that."

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