The Temple Owls field hockey team is set to launch its 2026 campaign at The Conference Cup, opening the season with a Friday matchup against James Madison before heading to College Park to meet No. 13 Maryland on Sunday. The schedule not only tests the Owls against familiar rivals but also pits them against a slate of five NCAA Tournament participants and six nationally ranked opponents.
Returning Core and Fresh Faces
Temple returns six starters and 13 reserves from the 2025 season, a group that finished 12‑6 overall and 9‑2 in non‑conference play, highlighted by a 2‑1 victory over No. 14 Yale. Sophomore Lucia Magro, who earned BIG EAST Freshman of the Year honors, led the freshman class with nine goals and two assists for a total of 20 points, while senior Mathéa Lassalle contributed six goals and two assists and Kathryn Gauvin added five goals and two assists. Both Magro and Gauvin were recognized on the All‑BIG EAST First Team, underscoring the blend of experience and emerging talent.
Confronting Strong Opposition
The Owls will face two of the nation’s top programs in the coming days. Maryland enters the season ranked No. 13 in the Penn Monto/NFHCA poll after a 10‑8 record in 2025, with freshman Jordyn Hollamon earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year. James Madison, meanwhile, finished 12‑8 a year ago and advanced to the MAC semifinals, driven by senior scorer Brynna Hill, who has amassed 27 points over 57 career games. Historical data shows Temple holds a 7‑1 lead in the all‑time Conference Cup series, though Maryland’s overall edge remains larger.
Looking Ahead
The next test for the Owls arrives on September 4, 2026, when they travel to Easton, Pennsylvania, to meet Lafayette at 6 p.m. The matchup continues a series that has seen Temple dominate historically, but each contest offers a fresh opportunity to climb the rankings and secure a berth in the tournament. With a roster that blends proven performers and promising newcomers, Temple hopes to translate its strong preseason schedule into a competitive postseason run.