Middlebury field hockey is back on a roll: they have tallied six wins in a row and are ranked second in the nation.
On Sept. 27, the Panthers played Christopher Newport University (CNU) who were previously ranked #1 nationally in DIII field hockey. CNU were the favorites in the first ever matchup between these two teams.
The game took place at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a neutral site for the contest. Both teams battled through the downpour brought on by the nor’easter that hammered much of the East Coast last week.
Throughout the match, Middlebury racked up 23 shots to CNU’s 10 but couldn’t find the back of the net in regular time, and went into overtime tied 0-0. Although this was the team’s first overtime of the season, the Panthers are seasoned veterans when it comes to playing extra minutes. In the 2025 campaign, the team played a total of 10 overtime games, many of which saw double overtime with some ending in a shootout.
Almost the entire overtime elapsed with no score, but with just one minute left in the first period, the Panthers were awarded a penalty stroke. Sophomore Addie Chandler ’29 stepped up to the dot as rain continued to pound the field. With one smooth motion Chandler found the back of the net with seeming ease.
For her game-winning contribution, and continued success this season, Chandler was awarded NESCAC Player of the Week.
Fueled by their success on the road, the team was motivated to build on this momentum at home during a sunny alumni weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, Middlebury faced off against Colby College. After a scoreless first quarter, the Panthers turned on the heat, tallying 5 goals to Colby’s 0. Megan Fuqua ’27 achieved her second hat trick of the season with one goal in the second quarter and two in the third.
Chandler continued to prove herself as a team leader with two goals to complement Fuqua.
“It was so great to be back playing on [Peter Kohn Field] after a successful away weekend last week. We had so many alumni cheering us on from the sidelines, and we were so proud of the way everyone contributed and connected on the field, resulting in five well-earned goals and a shut out!” Megan Fuqua ’27 told The Campus.
The following day Middlebury played the Endicott College Gulls, a team the Panthers were eager to face after a few close competitions last year. During the third quarter, Captain Ally Kennedy ’27 shot a rocket from the top of the circle during a penalty corner that slammed the back board of the cage. In another team win, the squad won 6-1, with goals scored by four different members of the group.
After a disappointing exit in the postseason last year, Middlebury field hockey has returned triumphantly this season. With the momentum of these wins behind them they will face Tufts, the new #1 ranked team, and #14 Wesleyan on the road this weekend.
Tufts is ranked first in the NESCAC as well, meaning Middlebury must beat them if they hope to host the NESCAC tournament come Halloween weekend.
