Monmouth University field hockey closed out its postseason with a dominant semifinal victory followed by a narrow loss in the CAA Championship, wrapping up a season that showed the program’s consistency, depth, and rising presence in the conference.
In the opening round against Hofstra, Monmouth delivered one of its most complete games of the year, defeating the Pride 5–0 at So Sweet a Cat Field. The Hawks set the tone immediately with a goal a little more than a minute into the match and maintained control from that moment forward. Their attack was relentless, generating 24 total shots while holding Hofstra without a single attempt. Monmouth also earned nine penalty corners, consistently turning pressure into scoring opportunities, while the defense prevented Hofstra from threatening in transition or settling into any offensive rhythm.
The scoring was spread across the lineup, with sophomore midfielder Milla Frye and freshman midfielder Alicia Vanderlyde driving the front line and creating chances throughout the match. Sophomore forward Claire Campen and sophomore midfielder Lilly Ricks added fourth-quarter goals as part of a three-score surge that sealed the victory. The Hawks played with poise and organization, moving the ball confidently through midfield and winning 50-50 plays that helped them dictate pace. By the final whistle, Monmouth had improved to 13–3 on the season and remained perfect in conference play, setting a strong tone heading into the championship match two days later.
The CAA Final brought a tougher challenge as Monmouth faced Drexel in a game filled with momentum shifts and high-pressure moments. Both teams approached the first quarter cautiously, probing for openings and trying to gain control of the midfield. Drexel finally broke through late in the second quarter on a penalty corner, putting the Hawks behind for the first time in the tournament. But Monmouth responded quickly. Early in the third quarter, Frye set up junior forward Ava Zerfass for the equalizer, and the Hawks appeared to regain their rhythm.
The turning point came midway through the third when Drexel struck twice in less than three minutes. Both goals came from sustained pressure and quick execution, forcing Monmouth into a sudden two-goal deficit. The Hawks, known all season for their resilience, answered by tightening their press and pushing higher up the field. Their persistence paid off early in the fourth quarter when senior forward Emily Singer scored off a pass from junior defender Eulalie Brouwers, cutting the lead to 3–2 and igniting the energy on the Hawks’ sideline.
Monmouth controlled large stretches of the final minutes, generating looks in the circle and earning key possessions, but Drexel’s defense held under pressure. The Hawks finished with 11 shots to Drexel’s 12 and four penalty corners to Drexel’s six, numbers that reflected how evenly contested the matchup was from start to finish. The narrow result was a reminder of how tight the margins can be in a championship game, especially between two well-matched teams.
Despite the disappointing ending, the Hawks’ postseason run showcased everything that has defined their year: disciplined defense, balanced scoring, and the ability to elevate their play against top competition. Their semifinal win showed the dominance they are capable of, and the championship game displayed their toughness and refusal to fade even when facing a late deficit.
Unfortunately, the Hawks were not selected for an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, thus ending their season. Monmouth ends the season as one of the CAA’s strongest programs and a team well-positioned to contend again next year. While the conference title slipped away, the Hawks’ performance throughout the fall strengthened their identity and set a solid foundation for future success.
