The University of Michigan’s field hockey program, a perennial contender in the Big Ten, steps onto the national stage to launch its 2026 campaign in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, a showcase that pits the Wolverines against some of the country’s most decorated programs.
A historic matchup
Michigan opens the season at Kentner Stadium in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, where it will meet No. 2 North Carolina on Friday, August 28 at 3:30 p.m., followed by a Sunday showdown with No. 7 Wake Forest at 2 p.m. The two opponents together account for 55 conference titles and 27 national championships, underscoring the significance of the early‑season slate.
The Wolverines enter the tournament with a No. 14 preseason ranking from the NFHCA, marking the fourth of five Big Ten teams to appear in the poll and reflecting a strong belief in the squad’s depth.
Returning 21 athletes from last year’s 10‑7 record, Michigan brings back eight starters and a potent offensive core that includes Juliette Manzur, Eva Bernardy and Dru Moffett, while redshirt junior Hala Silverstein guards the net with a 1.25 goals‑against average and a .766 save percentage from the previous season.
Coach Kristi Gannon Fisher, now in her second year at the helm, will rely on the experience of co‑captains Abby Burnett, Kelsey Reviello and Silverstein, who together aim to build on a 13‑0 victory over Bellarmine that highlighted the team’s defensive dominance.
The roster also welcomes four freshmen—Tilly Gibson, Kate Huntzicker, Kingsley Goldman and Lilly Mitchell—alongside transfer Milaw Clause, who joins from UConn, adding depth and fresh talent to a squad that lost top scorer Abby Tamer to a coaching role.
All four games will be streamed live on ACCNX, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the Wolverines as they seek to translate early‑season momentum into a run toward the conference and national titles.