Union College Women Won Four Straight Season Openers

The team has secured an undefeated start behind a strong offensive showing from junior forward Jill Willis.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Hockey

Union College Women Won Four Straight Season Openers

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Union College's women's hockey team has opened its 2026 season with four consecutive victories. The undefeated start has been anchored by standout play from junior Jill Willis, who currently leads the team in total points.

Why it matters

The early season success marks a positive shift for the program under third-year head coach Tony Maci. A strong start is critical for establishing momentum before the team faces more challenging opponents later in the autumn schedule.

Junior Jill Willis leads the team with six points and a plus-six rating over the first four games. The team remains undefeated as it prepares for a rigorous schedule of upcoming non-conference and conference series.

The players

Jill Willis

She is a junior hockey forward for Union College who attended Bishop Kearney prep school.

Tony Maci

He is in his third season as the head coach for the Union College women's hockey team.

The details

The team's success followed a rigorous off-season program consisting of spring weightlifting and individual summer workouts. Willis also credited her performance to a more focused mental approach developed through work with a sports psychologist and a positive locker room culture.

Oct. 16-17, 2026: Union plays a two-game series at Delaware.
Oct. 23-24, 2026: Union hosts Quinnipiac and Princeton.
November 2026: Union visits Wisconsin for a hockey game.

Season Trajectory

This undefeated start places Union College in a favorable position as they approach a demanding stretch of games against highly ranked opponents. Establishing an early winning record is essential for the team to improve its standing within the national collegiate hockey hierarchy.

The upcoming home games against Quinnipiac and Princeton on Oct. 23 and 24 represent a significant test for the team's current standing. These contests will determine if the early-season scoring efficiency can be maintained against nationally ranked competition.

The takeaway

Building a cohesive locker room culture and prioritizing mental conditioning can lead to tangible improvements in team performance. Junior athletes looking to advance their play can benefit from integrating professional sports psychology into their training regimen.