The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Eastern Division unveiled its 2026 preseason coaches’ poll this week, positioning Shippensburg University’s field hockey team in second place. Kutztown University captured the top spot with seven first‑place votes, while West Chester University received a single vote and settled at third.
Preseason Poll Details
Coaches across the division weighed in on the upcoming season, recognizing the Raiders’ recent dominance. Shippensburg entered the poll after a 20‑3 record that included both the PSAC Championship and the NCAA Division II National Championship, underscoring the program’s rapid rise.
Wallace’s Second Year at the Helm
Head coach Rayell Wallace begins his second season with the program, having guided the Raiders to their first championship titles just a year earlier. The roster features 23 athletes, 15 of whom return from the previous campaign, providing continuity and chemistry heading into the new year.
Championship Legacy
The 2025 season ended with a 20‑3 record, highlighted by victories in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference tournament and the NCAA Division II national championship game. Five seniors graduated as All‑Americans, including Emma Albee and Lilly Cantabene, leaving large shoes to fill but also opening opportunities for emerging talent.
2026 Schedule Begins with Neutral‑Site Opener
Shippensburg will open the 2026 campaign on September 4‑5 with neutral‑site matches against Belmont Abbey and Lander, contests that will be hosted by Wingate. The early schedule offers a chance to test the team’s depth against non‑conference opponents before diving into PSAC play.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned returners and promising newcomers, the Raiders enter the new season poised to defend their titles. Coach Wallace emphasizes the importance of maintaining the high standards set in 2025 while integrating fresh talent. The team’s early neutral‑site games will serve as a litmus test for the depth and resilience that defined their championship run.