Longwood University’s field hockey squad is set to kick off the 2026 campaign on August 30, when the Lancers welcome Queens University of Charlotte to Elizabeth Burger Jackson Field in Farmville, Virginia.
The match marks the first of seven non‑conference contests that will take the team across the East Coast, with later road trips to Michigan State and Old Dominion on the horizon.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
Head coach Miranda Rigg has brought in seven freshmen while retaining a core of seasoned veterans, among them captains Meghan Hyatt and Caitlin Carraway, who are determined to guide the Lancers back to the Mid‑American Conference tournament.
Among the returning standouts, Channy Johnson led the team with 17 points last season, including two game‑winning goals against William & Mary and Kent State, while Sophie Mooldijk, the reigning MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, returns between the posts to mentor freshman Addy Zabicki.
Mooldijk’s accolades also include two MAC Goalkeeper of the Week honors, underscoring her impact between the pipes and her role in developing the next generation of goalies.
The Lancers will also face conference rivals Miami University, James Madison University, Kent State, Ohio, and UMass during the upcoming schedule, a slate that the coaching staff believes will test the team and sharpen its competitive edge.
With the program looking to improve on a 4‑13 record from the previous year, the early-season home opener against Queens offers a chance to set a positive tone and build momentum toward a MAC tournament berth.