BOSTON - The University at Albany field hockey program has been picked to finish first in the 2026 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Tuesday. In addition, three Great Danes have been named to the Preseason All-Conference team.
 
"I am very excited for this season and flattered by the preseason poll," said head coach Phil Sykes. "We really like the makeup of our team, and we are enthusiastic to see what we are capable of."
 
With a decorated returning roster and talented newcomers, the Purple and Gold have been selected to finish the season in a tie with Vermont for first place. Vermont earned three first-place votes while UAlbany took home one, each earning 21 points. UMass Lowell notched the final two first-place votes earning 16 points for third place. 
 
Maine (13), New Hampshire (11), and Bryant (8) are differentiated by just five points for fourth through sixth place to round out the poll
 
In addition to the annual Coaches' Preseason Poll, the America East coaching staffs voted for the AE Field Hockey Preseason All-Conference Team. As part of the 11-person team, the Great Danes placed three on the third list published by the league.
 
Standouts in their first season with the Great Danes, rising senior Pilar Lorenzini and rising sophomore Jette Kurz were named Preseason All-Conference. In addition, an in-conference transfer, Merla Vaandrager was honored as the goalkeeper of the team. Lorenzini, a constant in the Great Danes' penalty corner, opened her UAlbany career with six goals in three consecutive games including a hat trick. Kurz came into her own towards the end of the season, eventually finishing top five in the conference in goals per game after scoring four in the America East Quarterfinal game against Bryant. Vaandrager is the reigning AE Goalkeeper of the Year with an America East championship title under her belt (2024). 
 
Check out the full AE Preseason Poll and All-Conference Team below.
 
2026 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll
T1. Vermont - 21 (3)
T1. UAlbany - 21 (1)
3. UMass Lowell - 16 (2)
4. Maine - 13
5. New Hampshire - 11
6. Bryant - 8
 
2026 America East Preseason All-Conference
Alicia Battistelli - F - Vermont
Callie Caito - F - Bryant
Consu De Castro - F - Vermont
Nicole Kowalewski - D - Maine
Saylor Kuefler - F - Maine
Jette Kurz - F - UAlbany
Pilar Lorenzini - D - UAlbany
Veerle Nijhuis - M - Vermont
Alice Van Hemelen - M - UMass Lowell
Karli Penrod - F - UMass Lowell
Eloise Penty - D - Maine
Merle Vaandrager - GK - UAlbany (two-time selection)
 
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