A Strong Start to the 2026 Campaign
The 2026 NFHCA Preseason National Coaches’ Poll has positioned the Miami RedHawks at No.10 and the UMass Minutewomen at No.15, a testament to their recent dominance in the Mid‑American Conference and their shared 2025 regular‑season title.
Both programs capped the 2025 campaign by sharing the MAC regular‑season crown, and Miami added a dramatic 2‑1 double‑overtime victory over UMass in the tournament championship, underscoring the competitiveness that defined last season.
Returning talent will be the engine of this year’s squads. For Miami, Malena Sabez, the 2025 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, will again anchor the attack, while freshman sensation Justina Intzes, the 2025 Freshman of the Year, looks to build on her breakout performances. UMass will lean on top scorers Emily Barrett, who posted 18 points with eight goals and two assists, and Fiene Jenniskens, who contributed 17 points and 15 assists.
Key Matchups on the Horizon
The RedHawks open the season with a high‑profile road test against No.19 Louisville before traveling to Indiana, while the Minutewomen begin on a neutral site against No.8 Liberty. Both teams also have home fixtures scheduled, including a showdown with the University of Maine Black Bears.
With a combined 33‑10 record over the past two seasons and a 2024 national semifinal appearance, the Minutewomen enter the new year with momentum, and Miami’s depth — nine players logged over 500 minutes in 2025 — suggests they are well‑positioned to challenge for another title.