Van Hemelen, Penrod Garner Preseason All-Conference, River Hawks Take Third in Poll

BOSTON, Mass. - The UMass Lowell field hockey team has been selected to finish third in the 2026 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, according to an announcement made by the conference office on Tuesday. Two River Hawks have also earned individual honors, as seniors Alice Van Hemelen (Tervuren, Belgium) and Karli Penrod (Seaford, Del.) were both named to the league's Preseason All-Conference Team.

"Being picked third in the preseason poll is a great reflection of the respect our program has earned," said Head Coach Shannon LeBlanc. "We're also proud to have two seniors named Preseason All-Conference. Their talent and leadership have been a big part of our success and we're excited to get the season started with both of them serving in important roles for us this year."

Van Hemelen and Penrod turned in strong individual performances in 2025, leading to All-Conference Second Team selections at the conclusion of the regular season. Van Hemelen started all 18 games for UMass Lowell last year, totaling five goals and four assists for 14 points. Penrod started all 12 games she appeared in and registered five goals for 10 points.

Finishing 8-10 overall last fall and going 3-2 in America East play, the River Hawks received 16 points, including two first-place votes, to take the third spot in the vote among the league's head coaches. Vermont and UAlbany tied for the top spot with 21 points apiece, as the Catamounts collected three first-place votes and the Great Danes received one. Maine (13 points), New Hampshire (11 points) and Bryant (8 points) followed UMass Lowell to round out the preseason poll.

The 2026 campaign gets underway on Friday, August 28 when the River Hawks travel to ACC foe Stanford for a 7 p.m. ET matchup.

Van Hemelen, Penrod Garner Preseason All-Conference, River Hawks Take Third in Poll

Players Mentioned

Karli Penrod

Alice Van Hemelen

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