2026 Schedule Unveiled
Saint Joseph's College in Maine has released its 2026 field hockey slate, a 18‑game journey that blends nine conference battles in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference with an equal non‑conference schedule.
The campaign opens on the road at Plymouth State University on September 3, with a 4 p.m. face‑off, and culminates at home against Thomas College on October 27 at 6 p.m. The Monks will enjoy a balanced split, hosting nine opponents while traveling to the same number, a rhythm that mirrors their 2025 rhythm of nine home and nine away contests.
The first home appearance comes just two days later, September 5, when Springfield College visits at 11 a.m., setting the tone for a season that will see regional powerhouses such as Babson College on September 8 and Husson University on September 12.
A marquee matchup arrives on September 26 as the team returns to face Southern Maine, a potential revenge game after a narrow loss last year, while later in the month they host Endicott College on October 19.
GNAC Tournament and NCAA Bid
The Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament begins with quarterfinal action on October 31, proceeds to semifinals on November 4 and crowns a champion on November 7. That champion earns an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament, which starts on November 13.
In 2025 the Monks finished 12‑8 overall and 9‑1 in conference play, capturing the No. 2 seed before falling to third‑seeded Colby‑Sawyer in the semifinals. The experience has set high expectations for a repeat run.
Head Coach Theresa Arsenault, now in her third year at the helm, will guide the squad through the demanding schedule, with the coaching staff confident that the blend of home‑field advantage and regional rivalries will fuel their push toward the automatic bid.
Key Regional Matchups
Beyond the conference slate, the Monks will test themselves against Babson College and Husson University, both of which present early‑season challenges, while later fixtures against Dean College and Colby‑Sawyer promise playoff‑type intensity.
The full schedule also includes a home showdown with Thomas College on October 27, a non‑conference clash that will serve as the final regular‑season test before the tournament.