Old Dominion University's field hockey program kicked off its 2026 campaign with a pair of decisive victories, a 3‑2 win over Ohio State and a 7‑0 shutout against Bellarmine, setting a confident tone for the season. The Monarchs will now travel to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where they open the weekend series with a September 4 showdown against No. 2 nationally ranked Princeton and a September 6 clash with Penn, a rematch of last year’s competitive encounter.
A Promising Start for the Monarchs
Princeton arrives in Chapel Hill bolstered by the return of key contributors, including sophomore forward Caitlin Thompson, who led the 2025 attack with eight goals, and junior forward Pru Lindsey, whose seven tallies added depth to the Ivy League powerhouse. Senior goalkeeper Olivia Caponiti, who posted 48 saves and a 1.50 goals‑against average en route to seven shutouts in the national championship, anchors the defensive line, while veteran net‑minder Ruby de Frees, fresh from a 79‑save, 37‑goal‑against season, adds experience and stability between the posts. Head coach Andrew Griffiths, now in his 14th year, welcomes new assistant Daan Polders to the staff, signaling a continued push for excellence.
Penn, still riding a 9‑7 finish from 2025, brings its own cadre of seasoned players to the series. Senior forward Honor Roberts, who finished second in the league’s goal‑scoring rankings, returns alongside teammates Beau Lily Barrington‑Hibbert and Emma Nahon, providing leadership and scoring depth. The Quakers’ 2025 campaign was marked by a 6‑2 loss to North Carolina and defeats to six nationally ranked opponents, a challenge they hope to overcome as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures.
The weekend in Chapel Hill also highlights the conference’s rising profile, as sophomores Josie Painter and Serena Langendoen earned BIG EAST weekly honor roll recognition for their pivotal roles in ODU’s strong start. With preseason coaches polls projecting Princeton to finish second in the Ivy League and ODU aiming to climb the national rankings, the upcoming matches promise high‑stakes competition and a showcase of emerging talent across the region.