As the autumn air grows crisp and the stakes climb ever higher, field hockey programs across the Northeast are serving up drama, dominance, and dazzling individual performances. With conference races heating up and milestones tumbling, there’s no shortage of headlines as the final stretch of the season gets underway. Let’s take a lively tour through the latest action and accolades shaping the collegiate field hockey landscape.
There’s simply no ignoring the juggernaut that is the No. 4 Babson Beavers. The Green and White are set to face Springfield on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. under the lights at Stagg Field in Springfield, Massachusetts. It’s a matchup steeped in history—Babson holds a 21-18 edge in the series dating back to 1996, but the recent narrative has been all Beavers. Babson has reeled off 16 straight wins against the Pride, with the last nine decided by at least three goals. The Pride’s last home victory in the series? You’d have to flip the calendar all the way back to 2011.
It’s not just the head-to-head numbers that turn heads. Babson is riding a 10-game winning streak and has blanked its last five opponents, most recently dispatching Clark 6-0 in a conference clash. That win pushed their season record to a sparkling 14-1 overall and a perfect 6-0 in NEWMAC play. The Beavers’ dominance is further underscored by a jaw-dropping 48-game unbeaten run against NEWMAC foes, stretching back to the 2019 conference title game. Regular-season conference play? That’s 74 consecutive victories dating to October 2015. October itself seems to be Babson’s lucky month: they haven’t lost in 62 straight games played during the tenth month since 2018. Night games? Try 40-1 since October 2018. When leading at halftime, they’ve emerged victorious in their last 78 contests over five seasons. This is a team that simply refuses to let up.
“It’s about setting the tone early and never taking the foot off the gas,” a Babson coach remarked after their latest win, echoing a sentiment that’s become the Beavers’ trademark. Their recent victory over Clark showcased that approach perfectly. DiGiovanni, a senior standout, netted a natural hat trick in the first 17 minutes, while teammates Ashley Braren, Lilly Goettsche, and Aurielle Wolf added to the tally. First-year Madison Tibbals and senior Josie Ashton combined for the shutout, each making a save. DiGiovanni now boasts 15 goals and 30 points, ranking second in the NEWMAC in goals and third in points. Baroni (9 goals, 5 assists) isn’t far behind, with both players leading the league in game-winning goals.
Recognition has followed. For the second straight week, Babson swept the NEWMAC’s weekly honors: DiGiovanni and first-year Anna Bonazzolli were named Offensive and Defensive Athletes of the Week, following last week’s accolades for Baroni and Tibbals. DiGiovanni also joined the program’s prestigious 100-point club, now tied for 11th all-time with 103 points. With one more goal, she’ll become just the ninth Beaver to reach 50 career goals, and the first since Brianne McGrath in 2023.
Springfield, meanwhile, enters Tuesday’s contest with momentum of its own. The Pride have won three straight, including a 4-1 victory over Mount Holyoke. First-year Rachel Simkewicz led the charge with two goals, while juniors Ava Coppola and Samara Skully chipped in one apiece. Hailey Gaydos added two assists, and first-year goalie Sam Orcutt made a pair of saves to secure the win. Simkewicz has been a revelation, ranking third in the NEWMAC in goals (14) and second in points (31) as a rookie. Gaydos, a veteran presence, is tied for the league lead in assists. Orcutt has started every game, ranking fifth in save percentage and shutouts.
The NEWMAC standings reflect Babson’s dominance: the Beavers are alone atop the table at 6-0, with WPI and MIT nipping at their heels at 5-1. Springfield holds fourth place at 4-2, while Wheaton and Wellesley are in the mix for the final playoff berths. Up next for Babson after Springfield? A home date with Salve Regina on Saturday—another chance to extend their remarkable run.
Elsewhere in the region, Colby College delivered a heart-pounder on a rain-soaked Monday night in Waterville, Maine, eking out a 1-0 double-overtime win over Thomas College in non-conference play. The Mules dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t break through, firing five shots on goal and earning two penalty corners. The deadlock persisted through regulation and the first overtime, but with just 56 seconds left in the second extra session, sophomore Christina Sweeney finally found the net. That tally marked Sweeney’s 10th goal of the season and her second game-winner, solidifying her status as Colby’s offensive leader. First-year keeper Ginna Jacoby was rock solid, recording three saves for her first career shutout. The Mules are set to return to action Saturday at home against Wesleyan, with momentum firmly on their side.
Turning to the Patriot League, the weekly awards presented by Credit Union 1 offered a showcase of standout talent. American University’s Jordan Reicher was named Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, after scoring in a 4-2 win at Richmond and earning a crucial stroke in a 3-2 triumph over Bucknell. Teammate Sophie Willemse snagged Midfielder of the Week honors, scoring the game-winner against Bucknell to clinch a spot in the Patriot League Championship and adding a goal and an assist against Richmond. Freshman Lotti Sume rounded out American’s haul with Rookie of the Week recognition, notching a goal against Bucknell and assisting the game-winner versus Richmond.
Bucknell’s Kira Leclercq was named Defensive Player of the Week after making a defensive save in a narrow loss to American and netting a hat trick in a comeback win over Towson. Holy Cross sophomore Mia McCloskey earned Goalkeeper of the Week honors thanks to a seven-save shutout against Lehigh. The awards, selected by league head coaches (who can’t vote for their own players), underscore the depth of talent across the Patriot League.
As of October 20, American leads the Patriot League with a 4-0 conference record (9-5 overall), having clinched a championship berth alongside Lafayette. The league’s competitive spirit is alive and well, with Bucknell, Boston University, Holy Cross, Lehigh, and Colgate all battling for postseason positions.
With Babson’s streaks on the line, Colby’s overtime heroics, and Patriot League stars earning their due, the field hockey season is reaching a fever pitch. Tuesday night’s Babson-Springfield showdown promises plenty of action as the Beavers chase history and the Pride look to play spoiler. Fans would be wise not to blink—the next chapter in this thrilling season is about to be written.
