Hockey

Saint Joseph’s Field Hockey Tops Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll

Graduate star Alison Buffington, defensive standout Milou Kluyt, and veteran Erika Culp lead the Hawks' championship pedigree

Preseason Poll Results

The Atlantic 10 Conference announced its preseason field hockey poll on Tuesday, and the Saint Joseph's Hawks captured the top spot with 44 points, edging out Richmond, VCU and Davidson.

The poll reflects the program's recent momentum and sets a high bar for the upcoming schedule.

Player Accolades

Three members of the squad earned preseason All‑Conference honors. Graduate student Alison Buffington, who previously collected All‑Conference recognition and academic accolades, joins senior Erika Culp, a two‑time honoree with multiple academic distinctions, and Milou Kluyt, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, who received her first all‑conference nod after a breakout season.

A Legacy of Success

The Hawks' dominance is not new. Over the past five years the program has claimed five conference titles and reached the championship game in each of the last ten seasons, setting a league record for consistency.

Their historic run includes eight of the last nine titles and a streak of ten consecutive championship appearances, underscoring the program's depth and coaching stability.

Season Opener

The 2026 campaign will open on Friday at noon at Ellen Ryan Field when the Hawks host New Hampshire. The matchup marks the first meeting of the season and will be played on the historic turf that has witnessed the team's recent surge.

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