2023 In Review
In a clash that went down to the wire, top-seed Susquehanna and third-seed Scranton fought through 80 minutes of regulation and double overtime, only to face off in a penalty shootout.
Scranton was up first in the shootout, but Susquehanna’s goalkeeper Ashley Derrick was a brick wall, saving not only the first attempt but also the second after Susquehanna's opening shot was also blocked. Katie Bucher stepped up as Susquehanna's second taker and delivered under pressure, maneuvering around the goalkeeper to fire into the back of the net, giving Susquehanna the early advantage. But Scranton’s Bridget Abraldes wasn’t about to let the game slip away, leveling the score with a clutch strike past Derrick.
The tension mounted as the next two shooters faltered—Kari Schmidt narrowly missing wide right, followed by Derrick once again denying Katie Redding. Lydia Hidlay, who had already made her mark in the semifinals, found herself in another pivotal moment. She buried her shot, putting Susquehanna back in the lead and leaving Scranton with everything to do. With the championship on the line, Derrick rose to the occasion once more, making her fourth save of the shootout to secure the title for Susquehanna.
The victory marked Susquehanna’s second Landmark title, both earned under the leadership of head coach Allison Fordyce. Their first championship came in 2018, also against Scranton.
COACHES POLL
The 2024 Field Hockey season is set to be exciting, if the coaches’ preseason poll is any indication. The University of Scranton claims the top spot with 75 points and four of the 10 first-place votes. Hot on their heels is reigning Landmark champion Susquehanna University, just a point behind with 74 points and three first-place votes. Catholic University rounds out the top three with 68 points, grabbing the remaining three first-place votes.
Moravian University takes the fourth spot with 59 points, followed by Drew University in fifth with 40 points.
The race for sixth is tight, with Elizabethtown College edging out Wilkes University and Juniata College by just a few points. Elizabethtown leads with 36 points, Wilkes follows with 34, and Juniata is close behind with 33.
Goucher College lands in ninth with 18 points, while Lycoming College rounds out the poll in 10th with 13 points.
Catholic University
- Head Coach: Rachel Palumbo (4th Season)
- 2023 Record: 12-5 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 3rd
Coming off a strong 12-5 season with an 8-1 conference record, Catholic University’s field hockey team is set for another impressive run in 2024. Under the leadership of fourth-year head coach Rachel Palumbo, the Cardinals return five key players who were instrumental in last year’s success.
Senior forward Niki Micciche, a First Team All-Landmark selection, will lead the offensive charge. Micciche found the back of the net nine times last season, ranking third in the conference.
Defensively, Catholic remains a force to be reckoned with. Junior goalkeeper Abigail Kearney is coming off a standout season, where she ranked in the top 10 in shutouts, wins, and goals against average (GAA) in Catholic's history. She’s joined by junior midfielder Mary Rojack, an NFHCA All-Region selection, and a crucial link between defense and attack. On the backline, senior Emma Shallow and sophomore Lauren Keast will anchor a defense that allowed just 18 goals all season, including only four in conference play.
Catholic’s tough nonconference schedule kicks off in September, with matchups against national powerhouses like TCNJ, Rowan, and Salisbury.
“The Catholic University Field Hockey team is ready and excited for the 2024 fall season to begin. As always, we are grateful for the upcoming opportunities to play against some of the best competition in Division III.” - Head Coach, Rachel Palumbo
DREW UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Summer Kortmann (3rd Season)
- 2023 Record: 7-10 (3-6 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 5th
With a solid core of returning players, the Rangers have their sights set on a run into postseason play. Leading the charge is midfielder Emma Rider, a Second Team All-Landmark Conference selection last year, who had five goals and seven assists.
Up front, forwards Tyler Olivio and Emily Monaco are back to spearhead the attack. Olivio was a key goal scorer last season, netting seven goals and adding four assists, while Monaco contributed one goal and three assists. They’ll be joined by forward Janelle Arch, who added one goal from her midfield position.
On the defensive end, Lauren Cagliostro returns after contributing one goal and one assist last season. She’ll be supported by Hana Johnston and Brooke Carlisle, both of whom will play pivotal roles on the backline.
The Rangers open the season on Friday, August 30 against cross-town rival, FDU-Florham. The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. start.
"As we head into the upcoming season, we are excited to continue to build on the progress we've made over the last couple of years. With a mix of promising young talent and strong upperclassmen, we are looking forward to seeing the strides this group can make this year!" - Head Coach, Summer Kortmann
ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Grace Hardy (1st Season)
- 2023 Record: 7-9 (4-5 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 6th
Elizabethtown prepares for its first season under first-year head coach, Grace Hardy. However, Hardy is no stranger to the Blue Jays field hockey program. She was a member of the Blue Jays field hockey team from 2018-22, setting career-highs in goals (13), assists (4), points (30), and game-winning goals (4) as a senior. The Blue Jays made back-to-back Landmark Conference semifinal appearances during her time on the squad.
Hardy takes the reins of a team that finished 7-9 overall and 4-5 in conference play last season, earning a spot in the Landmark Tournament First Round, where the Blue Jays fell to Moravian in a heartbreaking 2-1 double overtime loss.
Leading the offensive charge is Second Team All-Landmark selection Drew Bridges, who returns after scoring eight goals and adding an assist as a forward. In the midfield, Hannah Long is back after leading the team in assists with four, providing crucial veteran leadership.
On defense, Megan Meyer and Angelina Giglio-Tos anchor the backline. Giglio-Tos was a standout in goal last season, recording 49 saves.
The Blue Jays kick off the 2024 season with an away trip to nearby Lebanon Valley. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30.
“I am excited for the upcoming season. I believe we have senior leadership that will help make this season a success and we look forward to what’s ahead for this group.” - Head Coach, Grace Hardy
GOUCHER COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Megan Callahan (1st Season)
- 2023 Record: 7-10 (1-8 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 9th
2024 ushers in a new regime for the Goucher College field hockey program, as Megan Callahan takes over a Gophers' team that saw a five-win improvement in 2023. Goucher finished the season 7-10 and 1-8 in the conference.
Callahan is no stranger to the field hockey world as she coached at local Johns Hopkins University from 1997-2016, where she was the winningest coach in Hopkins field hockey history, compiled a 223-160 record at the helm, including five NCAA tournament appearances. She coached 66 All-Conference selections, 38 All-Region, and nine All-Americans and guided the Blue Jays to at least 10 wins in 15 of her 20 seasons.
Callahan is fortunate to have a strong core group returning this season, highlighted by two All-Conference performers, Kaitlyn Bucci and Katie Bloom.
Senior midfielder Kaitlyn Bucci, a Landmark Second Team selection, led the team with seven goals, two assists, and 16 points last season. In goal, sophomore Katie Bloom, also a Landmark Second Team honoree, posted an impressive .803 save percentage and a 2.09 goals-against average (GAA).
The defense will be anchored by senior Zoe Mikles, who contributed five goals, and sophomore Angelena Holmes, who added four goals and one assist.
Goucher opens the 2024 campaign on Saturday, August 31 when they travel to the campus of Meredith to take on Virginia Wesleyan at 1:30 p.m. The Gophers' home opener is set for Saturday, September 7 against Southern Virginia at 4:00 p.m.
"We have some great leadership and young talent on the team this season. Opportunity abounds in Landmark competition this year and we are looking to take it on with discipline, focus and determination." - Head Coach Megan Callahan
JUNIATA COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Caroline Gillich (25th Season)
- 2023 Record: 6-11 (3-6 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 8th
Juniata’s field hockey program is determined to break its title drought, which has lingered since 2017. With a strong group of upperclassmen returning, veteran head coach Caroline Gillich has a solid foundation to build on this season.
Sydney Witter, the team’s standout All-Conference selection from 2023, returns to anchor the midfield. Witter led the Eagles with eight goals and six assists, totaling 22 points, and will be a key playmaker once again. She’ll be supported on the offensive front by Tess Ledeboer and Colleen Creneti. Ledeboer, now a senior, contributed five goals and four assists for 14 points last season, while Creneti added four goals and five assists from her midfield role.
In goal, senior Amanda Puza returns after appearing in seven games last season, where she allowed 14 goals and made 24 saves, providing experience on the defensive front.
Additional key returners include Lillian Case, Morgan Martin, Sierra Rossman, and Kaylen Walters, who will all play important roles in Juniata’s push for success this season.
The Eagles open the 2024 campaign on Friday, August 30 when they travel to Allegheny for a 5:00 p.m. game.
"We are eager to see what JCFH 2024 can accomplish. We return our top scorers and a seasoned team led by eight seniors that have played a big role on this team since their arrival. We anticipate increased connections on the field which should make for a more competitive season with a team that increasingly works off of each other and for each other." - Head Coach, Caroline Gillich
LYCOMING COLLEGE
- Head Coach: Allyson Kenyon (3rd Season)
- 2023 Record: 4-12 (0-9 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 10th
In just its third year back as a varsity sport after a 30-year hiatus, the Lycoming College field hockey program is showing serious potential. With 10 returning starters and 13 new faces, head coach Allyson Kenyon has a mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent to work with this season.
Up front, the Warriors will rely on sophomore forward Loghan Shelly, who was the team's second-leading scorer last year with five goals and one assist. She’ll be supported by senior midfielder Halie Woodring, who contributed two goals and three assists, and junior midfielder Riley Marines, who added a goal and three assists.
On defense, junior Victoria Burton is back to help anchor the backline, while junior goalkeeper Isabella Bobé returns after a busy 2023 season where she racked up 121 saves in 16 games.
The Warriors kick off their season on the road against Cedar Crest on Friday, August 30, at 7:00 p.m.
“We’re excited to get going and improve every day. We have a big group of experienced players that have been through the rigors of a college field hockey season for a couple years now and we also have a big group of talented first-year players. Seeing how that mix comes together, now that we are in our third year as a varsity program, is going to be a lot of fun.” – Head Coach Ally Kenyon
MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Sarah Dalrymple (5th Season)
- 2023 Record: 9-9 (6-4 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 4th
After making their third consecutive Landmark Conference postseason appearance in 2023, the Moravian University field hockey team has set its sights on an even bigger goal: capturing the program’s first-ever conference title.
To reach this milestone, the Greyhounds will lean on a strong core of 12 returning players, including standout All-Conference performers Gia Ambrosino (Second Team), Maia Machado (Honorable Mention), and Sydney Anderson (First Team - 2022). Ambrosino and Anderson were key contributors to an offense that netted 29 goals last season and led the league with 200 corners.
The Greyhounds kick off their campaign on Saturday, August 31, when they host DeSales at 3:00 p.m., ready to take the next step toward their championship aspirations.
"We are thrilled for the 2024 season as we blend our returners with our first-years. The group is eager and ready to get started and compete!" - Head Coach, Sarah Dalrymple
UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
- Head Coach: Colleen Moyer (19th Season)
- 2023 Record: 16-4 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 1st
The University of Scranton field hockey team enters the new season fueled by the sting of last year’s conference title game loss. With six All-Conference players returning, the Royals are determined to reclaim the top spot.
Leading the charge is forward Katie Redding, an NFHCA All-American Third Team selection and the Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year, who racked up 17 goals and seven assists for 41 points last season. Joining her in the attack is Bridget Abraldes, an NFHCA All-Region V Second Team honoree, who added 12 goals and seven assists. Annie Shaw, another key offensive player, contributed eight goals and five assists.
In the midfield, Elle Collins returns after a standout season that earned her First Team All-Landmark honors, with five goals and one assist to her name. Reagan Dolan, a Second Team All-Landmark selection, will also be a critical playmaker, having recorded three goals and seven assists last year.
Defensively, Lauren Franco anchors the backline. An NFHCA All-Region V Second Team and First Team All-Landmark player, Franco led a unit that ranked in the top 10 nationally in goals-against average (0.59), fewest goals allowed (12), and shutouts (11). In goal, Gianna Travia, who posted a stellar 0.61 GAA, a .778 save percentage, and seven shutouts, returns to provide stability in the net.
Scranton's season begins on Friday, August 30 at home against Muhlenberg at 4:00 p.m.
"This season we are welcoming 27 returners and eight newcomers. We are so proud of the great energy and determination our strong and experienced group of returners brought to every training in the winter and spring. They are excited and ready to get back on the field this fall with our promising group of newcomers. Our focus is to keep improving each day and having fun while we are doing it," - Head Coach Colleen Moyer
SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Allison Fordyce (7th Season)
- 2023 Record: 15-6 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
- Projected Finish: 2nd
The Susquehanna University field hockey program enters the 2024 season riding high after capturing its second-ever conference title in 2023, a thrilling victory decided by a penalty shootout.
Leading the charge from last year’s championship squad are some of the Landmark Conference’s top talents. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year and All-American Keri Schmidt returns to anchor a defense that posted nine shutouts and allowed just six goals in conference play.
Joining her is the reigning Landmark Rookie of the Year, Hannah Garlin. A standout in her first season, Garlin started all 20 games and played a key role on the backline alongside Schmidt. Garlin contributed offensively with a goal and two assists, while also making four crucial defensive saves. Her efforts helped Susquehanna finish second in the Landmark with a 1.10 goals-against average.
In goal, the River Hawks will once again rely on Ashley Derrick, the conference tournament MVP. Derrick was outstanding in the cage, starting 18 games and securing 14 wins, including a Landmark-leading seven shutouts. She closed the season with 45 saves and an impressive 1.12 goals-against average.
The River Hawks will be tested early, as they open the season with a challenging slate of nonconference opponents. They kick off on Friday, August 30, hosting Franklin and Marshall, followed by a home game against Swarthmore on Saturday, September 7. Susquehanna then hits the road for a midweek showdown against Dickinson on Wednesday, September 11.
"We are excited to welcome back a strong group of returners and a talented freshman class. We look forward to a great year of competitive Landmark Conference field hockey." - Head Coach, Allison Fordyce
WILKES UNIVERSITY
- Head Coach: Ashley Irwin (2nd Season)
- 2023 Record: 9-9 (4-5 Landmark Conference)
- 2024 Projected Finish: 7th
In their inaugural year in the Landmark Conference, the Wilkes field hockey program made a strong impression, finishing 4-5 and reaching the first round of the conference tournament. However, the Colonels face a significant challenge this season as they look to replace the scoring power of Morgan Hermanofski (8 goals, 3 assists) and Olivia Gayoski (6 goals, 1 assist).
To fill that void, Wilkes will turn to Kellie Scott, who ranked third on the team with four goals last season, and Bridget Rosenfeld, who added three goals and four assists.
In goal, the Colonels have a big question mark as they search for Carly Eidle’s successor. Eidle, who recorded 327 career saves, leaves big shoes to fill, making the goalkeeper position a critical area to watch.
Wilkes kicks off the season at home against Oswego State on Saturday, August 31. The Colonels will then face a tough stretch on the road with three nonconference games against William Paterson, Alvernia, and King's (Pa.). They’ll close out September with a six-game homestand, including key conference matchups against Goucher on September 21 and Susquehanna on September 28.
"Last season was an awesome debut for the program moving into the Landmark. This season we’re excited for some new challenges with a younger group, but we’re grateful for another opportunity to compete in the landmark and looking forward to the season!" - Head Coach, Ashley Irwin