Haverford Field Hockey Off to Best Start in Program History

For years, Haverford field hockey has worked to climb out of the shadows of Centennial Conference giants like Johns Hopkins, Swarthmore, and Franklin & Marshall. This fall, they’ve not only broken through—they’re rewriting the program’s record book.

The No. 23 Fords (10–1, 4–0 CC) are off to the best start in school history, riding a seven-game win streak that matches the second-longest in program history. Their latest milestone came Wednesday night at Swan Field, when Haverford shut out Ursinus, 2–0, for its first-ever victory over the Bears. The win also kept the Fords perfect in conference play, tying them with No. 2 Johns Hopkins for the top spot in the conference standings.

The triumph over Ursinus was just the latest in a string of statement victories. In September, Haverford knocked off a trio of ranked opponents, No. 12 SUNY Cortland, No. 12 Rowan, and No. 16 Franklin & Marshall. The Fords’ No. 23 ranking in the NFHCA Division III Coaches Poll this week was the program’s first national ranking since 2021, when Haverford peaked at No. 17. Now, with a seven-game win streak and a historic 10–1 record, the Fords have solidified their standing as one of the nation’s teams to watch.

Senior captain Holly Vincent, who was named Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week on September 9, pointed to the Franklin & Marshall game as a defining moment. “That game showed us what we can do and gave us a new standard of excellence,” Vincent said. “We lost to them in the playoffs last year, which ended our season, but this time we fought to win every play. That’s the game I’m most proud of so far.”

The Fords’ success stems from a blend of veteran leadership and high-energy contributions across the roster. “Every single person on our team has a distinct role, and that’s what’s so special,” Vincent said. “Our practices have never been this competitive, and a large part of that is due to our shared belief that all of us, together, are capable and deserving of a historic season.”

That commitment has been visible on the field. Senior attacking midfielder Naomi York, a Second-Team All-Centennial Conference selection in 2024, has elevated her game this fall. Named Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week on September 30 and currently ranking second in the conference in goals, York credits three keys for the rise: experience, chemistry, and mentality. “Ten of our 11 starters are returning players, and our chemistry is unmatched this year,” York said. “We’re genuinely each other’s best friends, and that connection off the field shows in how well we play together on it. We’ve never lost that underdog mentality, even now that we’re the ones to beat.”

York said the team even keeps a Centennial Conference preseason poll hanging in the locker room, where Haverford was picked seventh by the conference’s coaches, with the reminder, “let them underestimate us.” “Every game is another chance to prove we deserve respect,” she added.

The dominance shows up on the stat sheet as much as it does on the scoreboard. The Fords rank second in the Centennial Conference in both total goals and goals allowed, conceding just one per game. Sophomore goalie Steph Ionescu, the league’s Defensive Player of the Week on September 30, is tied for second in the conference in shutouts. Up front, senior captain Naomi York sits third in goals. At the same time, junior Erica Pardón — a 2024 All-Centennial Honorable Mention — is tied for fourth in scoring and leads the league in assists.

Senior captain Abigail Trapp, who anchors the midfield, emphasized the importance of diligent preparation. “Our preparation for whatever the next game is a lot like studying for an exam—it all starts with practice,” Trapp said. “Practice is where we become who we need to be to win.”

Trapp also highlighted Haverford’s dominance at Swan Field, the Fords’ home turf, where they’re undefeated this year. “Swan Field can be unpredictable, and that’s what makes it unique,” she said. “This field demands focus, toughness, and grit that many teams are not prepared for, and we embrace that.”

Home support has been a driving force in sustaining that edge. “It cannot be overstated how important the campus and community are to our team,” Trapp added. “Energy and cheering from the stands are what force us to dig deep and keep going.” A gauntlet of October matchups will test the Fords’ momentum. After road trips to Gettysburg and Washington College, Haverford will return home to host No. 13 Dickinson before a Senior Day showdown with No. 2 Johns Hopkins. This four-game stretch will be critical in shaping the Centennial Conference playoff picture, with the top seeds still very much in play. Regardless of how it unfolds, Haverford’s start has already put both the conference and Division III on notice.