Vermont Field Hockey Wins America East Title
Vermont defeated Albany 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the championship game ended 2-2 following two overtime periods.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hockey
Vermont field hockey, the fifth seed, defeated first-seeded Albany in a penalty shootout to win the America East Conference tournament championship. The game ended 2-2 after regulation and two overtime periods, with Emily Enden scoring the winning shootout goal.
Why it matters
The title earns Vermont a bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament, a program milestone following its first America East championship in 2024 and last year's overtime loss to New Hampshire in the title game.
Vermont, the fifth seed with a 14-5 record, outscored top-seeded Albany 6-5 in the shootout after a 2-2 tie through two overtimes. The NCAA Tournament matchup and site are still pending the selection announcement.
The players
Vermont field hockey
The University of Vermont's women's field hockey program, which competes in the America East Conference and captured its second conference title with this win.
Albany field hockey
The University at Albany's women's field hockey program, the top seed in the America East tournament that reached the championship game.
The details
Anyia Woods and Jaime Lewis scored second-quarter goals to give Vermont a 2-0 halftime lead before Albany rallied with two fourth-quarter goals from Quinty Reumer to force overtime. Enden sealed the shootout by making a spin move to beat the Albany goalie.
Timeline
2024: Vermont won the program's first America East championship.
Last year (2025): Vermont lost in overtime to New Hampshire in the title game.
Friday, November 6, 2026: Vermont won the America East championship in a penalty shootout.
Sunday, November 8, 2026: Vermont will learn its NCAA Tournament opponent and site.
Season Trajectory
Vermont's win follows its 2024 conference title and last year's overtime defeat to New Hampshire, marking a return to the championship stage. The title secures an NCAA Tournament berth and positions the program as a contender in the America East field hockey landscape.
The NCAA Tournament selection on Sunday, November 8 determines Vermont's opponent and location for the postseason. Fans planning travel to see the team should watch for the matchup and site announcement before booking.
The takeaway
A conference title earned through a penalty shootout after a long overtime battle shows how a fifth seed can reach the NCAA Tournament. Track the Sunday selection announcement for Vermont's postseason path.
What happens next
Vermont will learn its NCAA Tournament opponent and host site on Sunday, November 8.
Further reading
Explore more hockey coverage for context on the sport's college and professional landscape.
