By Dane Lyons //
Hood College women’s field hockey looks to avenge its first-round playoff loss from the previous season with MAC championship
Hood College women’s field hockey returns to the turf following an 8-11 season in 2025 and postseason loss to the Mustangs of Stevenson University. Led by head coach Carley Kessler in her seventh season, the Blazers welcome 14 new incoming first-year and transfer students to their program.
Coach Kessler has high expectations for her team as their preseason has been productive. “Everyone is on board. Everyone is bringing intensity,” Kessler said. “We want to lead our freshmen to excellence.”
Of the expectations mentioned, Kessler would like to see a shift in the team’s national ranking. The previous season Hood finished within the lower 100s, and the hope is to improve to the top 50, if not greater. Kessler would like to see her team defeat notable conference foes who are consistently ranked among the NCAA at Stevenson University, Messiah University and Kessler’s personal rival pick, York College.
“Our freshmen are asking all the right questions and have shown their willingness to learn along with our captains helping provide our incomers with the proper support,” Kessler said. Captains for the fall 2026 team are senior back Maddy Moreno, junior back Emma Numme, and junior midfielder Ellie Dainton.
Freshman Emily Materna ’30 has been eager to start the 2026 season. “It was overwhelming getting adjusted without having a set class and practice schedule, but now I feel the only adjustment I am focusing on is this new family,” Materna said.
Kessler wants fans to be prepared for a new attack-heavy formation of the team’s offense. “When you see it, you’ll want to celebrate with us,” Kessler said. “We will solidify ourselves within the conference.”
Hood College women’s field hockey will open their season away in Baltimore, facing Goucher College on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
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