2026 SUNYAC FH Preview

2026 SUNYAC Field Hockey Championship Preview

By Heath Barringer
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview

The Rundown

The No. 8 Salisbury University field hockey team will try to claim their second consecutive conference title in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship this weekend from Oneonta, N.Y. The highest-seeded New York team, Oneonta, will host the final four November 6-7. This is the second season that Salisbury has competed in the SUNYAC as an associate member. On Friday, Nov. 6, No. 1 Salisbury will face No. 4 Oswego at noon in the first semifinal at Oneonta. The second semifinal will follow at 3 p.m. featuring No. 2 Oneonta vs. No. 3 Cortland.

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SEASON AT A GLANCE

The Sea Gulls scored 50 goals across 16 games, averaging 3.13 goals per contest, while holding opponents to just 20 goals (1.25 per game). The Sea Gulls recorded several impressive victories throughout the season, including a 3-2 double-overtime win over then-No. 9 Messiah, a 4-1 victory against then-No. 4 Johns Hopkins, and a 7-1 win over then-No. 13 Cortland. Salisbury also demonstrated its ability to win close contests, earning one-goal victories over Stockton, Washington College, St. Mary's (Md.), Oswego, and Mary Washington. The Sea Gulls closed the regular season with four consecutive victories, defeating Mary Washington 2-1, Cortland 7-1, No. 11 Rowan 4-3, and The College of New Jersey 4-2.

OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER

Layla Kent has led the Salisbury offensive attack, pacing the team with 13 goals and 14 assists for 40 points. Kent has been a consistent scoring threat throughout the season, recording two game-winning goals while leading the team in both goals and assists. Devon DeGregory ranks second on the team with 23 points, recording eight goals and seven assists. DeGregory has also converted all three of her penalty strokes this season. Alex Kupper has added seven goals and three assists for 17 points, while Ryan Lowe has contributed five goals and five assists. Tessa Gray and Dakotah Trader have each recorded five goals, providing additional scoring depth for the Sea Gulls. As a team, Salisbury has recorded 41 assists on its 50 goals, showcasing its ability to generate scoring opportunities through balanced offensive production.

DEFENSIVE STRENGTH

The Sea Gulls have been equally impressive defensively, allowing just 20 goals through 16 games. Salisbury has held opponents to 7.6 shots per game while averaging 21.2 shots per contest offensively. Goalkeeper Maddie Castaneda has anchored the defensive effort, appearing in all 16 games while recording 44 saves, a 1.26 goals-against average, and a .688 save percentage. Castaneda has also recorded two shutouts.

2026 SUNYAC FH Preview

PLAYERS TO WATCH

2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
Layla Kent | Fr. | Millington, Md.
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
Devon DeGregory | Jr. | Lewes, Del.
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
Regan Worley | So. | Poquoson, Va.
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
Alex Kupper | Sr. | Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview
We are very excited to have the opportunity to play in the conference tournament! The team has been working hard all week and is looking forward to competing. Go Gulls!
Dawn Chamberlin (40th Season)
2026 SUNYAC FH Preview

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