The excitement is palpable across the collegiate field hockey landscape as both Division II and Division III announced their championship brackets this week, setting the stage for an action-packed November. Fans, athletes, and coaches alike are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable run of postseason action, with storied programs and perennial contenders ready to chase championship glory.
On November 9, 2025, the Shippensburg University field hockey team received thrilling news: the Raiders secured the No. 3 seed in the Atlantic Region and the No. 3 overall seed for the 2025 NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championships. With an impressive 17-3 record, Shippensburg’s journey continues on home turf. The Raiders will host a national quarterfinal at Robb Sports Complex on Saturday, November 15. Start time is yet to be confirmed by the NCAA, but the anticipation is already building in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
This quarterfinal clash is more than just another game. It’s a showdown of conference champions, as Shippensburg, representing the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), faces off against the No. 6 seed Saint Anselm Hawks (16-5), the champions of the Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10). Both teams took similar paths to their league titles, entering their respective conference tournaments as No. 3 seeds and stringing together three straight victories to claim the crown. Talk about peaking at the right time!
There’s history between these two squads this season. Back on September 14, Shippensburg and Saint Anselm met at a neutral site—Widener University. The Raiders walked away with a convincing 4-0 victory, a result that surely gives them confidence heading into Saturday’s high-stakes rematch. But if there’s one thing postseason field hockey has taught us, it’s to expect the unexpected. Saint Anselm, after all, are the reigning national champions, having edged out Kutztown 1-0 in last year’s title match. That championship pedigree can’t be discounted, and the Hawks will be hungry to defend their crown.
For Shippensburg, this marks the fifth consecutive season advancing to the NCAA Tournament and the 19th time in program history. The Raiders boast an 18-13 all-time record in NCAA Tournament play, with five national championships to their name—2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021. That’s a legacy few can match. The program’s consistency and postseason experience are sure to be assets as they prepare for another deep run.
All four Division II quarterfinals are set for Saturday, November 15, at campus sites around the country. The stakes? A coveted spot in the semifinals, which will be hosted by Bloomsburg on Friday, November 21. The two semifinal games are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the national championship game to follow on Sunday, November 23, at 12:30 p.m. It’s a tight turnaround, but the nation’s best will be ready for the challenge.
Meanwhile, the Division III championship field was revealed in dramatic fashion during a selection show on NCAA.com at 9 p.m. ET on November 9. The 28-team bracket features 18 automatic qualifiers and 10 at-large bids, underscoring the depth and parity of Division III field hockey. Christopher Newport, Bates, Johns Hopkins, and Babson headline the field as the top four seeds, each earning a coveted first-round bye.
The opening round of DIII action kicks off Wednesday, November 12, with a full slate of matchups starting as early as 2 p.m. ET and running through the evening. Fans can look forward to contests like Dickinson vs. St. Mary’s (MD), Rowan vs. Lynchburg, and Bowdoin vs. Scranton, among others. The second round follows on Saturday, November 15, and the third round is set for Sunday, November 16. It’s a whirlwind schedule, but that’s what makes the NCAA tournament so exhilarating—there’s hardly time to catch your breath!
As the tournament progresses, the intensity only ramps up. The DIII semifinals are slated for Friday, November 21, with games at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET, streamed live on NCAA.com. The national championship game will cap off the festivities on Sunday, November 23, at noon. For programs and athletes, this is the moment they’ve worked toward all season long.
Division III field hockey has a rich history, and the 2025 championship promises to add another compelling chapter. Middlebury has been a dominant force in recent years, capturing the national title in 2024 with a 2-1 win over Tufts, and previously winning in 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2015 under coach Katharine DeLorenzo. Other storied programs like Bowdoin, Salisbury, TCNJ, and William Smith have also enjoyed their moments atop the DIII mountain. The 2025 bracket is packed with familiar contenders and hungry challengers alike—will another dynasty emerge, or is a new champion waiting in the wings?
For teams like Christopher Newport, Bates, Johns Hopkins, and Babson, the first-round bye offers a slight reprieve, but there’s no room for complacency. The path to a national championship is never easy, and every opponent is battle-tested by the time November rolls around. The bracket’s structure—single elimination, win or go home—ensures that every match is played with maximum intensity and urgency. It’s what makes the NCAA tournament so special.
Looking back, the DIII championship has seen its share of unforgettable moments—overtime thrillers, defensive masterclasses, and breakout performances from future legends. From Middlebury’s recent run of dominance to Bowdoin’s dramatic victories and TCNJ’s storied legacy, the tournament’s history is a testament to the passion and skill found across the division. Will 2025 bring another instant classic? Only time will tell.
As the countdown to the quarterfinals and opening rounds continues, fans should mark their calendars and prepare for a feast of field hockey action. Whether you’re following Shippensburg’s quest for a sixth national title in Division II or watching the drama unfold in Division III, one thing’s certain: November is the most wonderful time of the year for college field hockey enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for more details, including game times and broadcast information, as the NCAA postseason gets underway. The road to the championship is officially open, and the nation’s best are ready to seize their moment.
