Center Valley, PA (August 19, 2026) -- The DeSales University women's field hockey team has been picked second in the MAC Freedom preseason coaches poll, released by the conference office and as voted on by the nine MAC Freedom coaches Wednesday morning.
DSU totaled 53 points, 12 behind preseason favorite Stevens. Lebanon Valley College was picked third with 51 points, Misericordia was fourth with 40 points, and conference newcomer Marywood University rounded out the top five with 39 points.
DeSales finished 9-10 overall and 5-2 in MAC Freedom play last season. DSU earned the #3 seed in the MAC Freedom postseason tournament falling to Misericordia University, 1-0, in the semifinals.
DSU returns a trio of All-Conference performers in junior Stephanie Pallante, junior Abigail Antipas, and senior Alina Culver all of whom earned Second-Team honors last season. Pallante is the top returning scorer finishing with seven goals and three assists for 17 points last season. Antipas started all 19 games adding two goals and an assist and Culver started 18-of-19 games totaling two goals and leading the team with two defensive saves.
Also returning are junior Mia Carder who led the team with five assists as well as junior Sierra Margut who started 17-of-19 games last season.
Head coach Cayla Andrews returns for her third season on the sidelines having led DSU to back-to-back 9-10 seasons and back-to-back MAC Freedom postseason appearances.
DeSales opens the 2026 season at home hosting Ramapo College on September 2nd. DSU will host RPI on Homecoming, Saturday, September 26th, and begins MAC Freedom play on Saturday, October 3rd at home vs. FDU-Florham.
MAC Freedom Preseason Polls (first place votes)
- Stevens - 63 points (7)
- DeSales - 53 points
- Lebanon Valley - 51 points (2)
- Misericordia - 40 points
- Marywood - 39 points
- Delaware Valley - 29 points
- Arcadia - 23 points
- FDU-Florham - 18 points
- King's - 8 points
