LATHAM, N.Y. – Immaculata University field hockey has been selected third in the 2026 United East Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, earning 34 points in the conference's preseason voting.

Defending United East champion St. Mary's College of Maryland was selected first with 46 points and five first-place votes, followed by Penn State Harrisburg with 45 points and three first-place votes. Immaculata placed third with 34 points. Gwynedd Mercy and Wilson tied for fourth with 26 points, followed by Cedar Crest (18), Lancaster Bible (17) and Keystone (12).

The 2026 season marks the Mighty Macs' first as a United East field hockey affiliate. Immaculata finished 7-13 overall and 2-2 in Atlantic East Conference play last season.

The Mighty Macs return a strong core led by junior Alexis Andrada, who earned First Team All-AEC honors for the second consecutive season after recording 12 goals and one assist for 25 points in 2025.

Immaculata also returns several players who made an immediate impact during their first collegiate seasons. Maria Freeman earned All-AEC Second Team honors after tying for the team lead with three assists, scoring her first collegiate goal and earning AEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Mackenzie Schrack was named All-AEC First Team after recording 90 saves and three shutouts in 19 appearances while earning AEC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. Morgan Barnes added four goals and three assists, including her first collegiate goal against nationally ranked Bryn Mawr.

Immaculata enters its first season in the United East looking to build on last year's experience and make an immediate impact in its new conference.
 

The complete 2026 United East Field Hockey Preseason Poll is listed below.