TOWSON, Md. - For the fourth consecutive year, the Landmark Conference field hockey championship will feature a familiar showdown between No. 1 University of Scranton and No. 6 Susquehanna University. The Royals and River Hawks have developed a fierce postseason rivalry, with Susquehanna claiming back-to-back titles on its home turf in 2023 and 2024 before Scranton turned the tables to capture the championship in 2025.
Championship Central
How They Got Here
Despite entering the 2026 Landmark Conference Field Hockey Tournament as the No. 6 seed, Susquehanna University has put together an impressive postseason run to reach its fourth consecutive conference championship game. The River Hawks began their journey with a 1-0 upset victory over No. 3 Wilkes University in the first round, earning a spot in the semifinals against No. 2 Catholic University. Susquehanna continued its momentum with a thrilling 3-2 double-overtime victory over Catholic, securing its place in Saturday's championship matchup. After winning back-to-back conference titles in 2023 and 2024 before falling to Scranton in 2025, the River Hawks will look to reclaim the crown when they face the top-seeded Royals on November 7.
The No. 1 seed University of Scranton has continued its dominant 2026 season, earning a spot in its fourth consecutive Landmark Conference Field Hockey Championship. The Royals finished the regular season with an impressive 15-2 overall record and a perfect 9-0 mark in conference play, securing the top seed and a first-round bye. Scranton carried that momentum into the semifinals, defeating No. 4 Elizabethtown College 3-0 behind two goals from Shana Goldsmith and a goal from Maggie Keys. Now standing at 16-2, the defending conference champions will look to capture their second straight Landmark title when they host No. 6 Susquehanna University on Saturday, November 7.
Players to Watch
University of Scranton:
- #23 Shana Goldsmith (Midfielder): Leads the Royals with 19 goals and 44 points this season. Scored twice in Scranton's 3-0 semifinal victory over Elizabethtown.
- #21 Maggie Keys (Midfielder): A key offensive contributor with 14 goals, 10 assists and 38 points. Recorded a goal and an assist in the semifinal win.
- #3 Maddie Slavin: Has recorded six goals and five assists for 17 points, providing another scoring threat for the Royals.
- #5 Gabi Horn (Defender): An experienced defensive leader and returning All-Landmark selection who helps anchor Scranton's back line.
- #36 Ruby Sorber (Goalkeeper): Has played an important role in Scranton's defensive success, including a shutout in the Landmark Conference semifinals.
Susquehanna University:
- #19 Jada Thompson (Forward): Leads the River Hawks with 10 goals this season. Recorded a goal and an assist in Susquehanna's 3-2 semifinal victory over Catholic.
- #4 Kiara Koeller Defender): A key offensive contributor with six goals this season. Scored the game-winner against Wilkes in the first round and added a goal and an assist against Catholic.
- #17 Hannah Garlin (Defender/Midfielder): Scored the dramatic double-overtime game-winning goal against Catholic, sending Susquehanna to its fourth straight Landmark Championship.
- #73 Taytum Lombardi (Goalkeeper): A key part of Susquehanna's postseason success, recording six saves against Wilkes and 11 against Catholic.
- #16 Isabel Goncalves (Midfielder): Played an important role in the semifinal victory, assisting on Garlin's double-overtime winner against Catholic.
Postseason History
Scranton and Susquehanna have built a competitive postseason history, with both teams finding success on the championship stage. Their previous meetings have featured hard-fought battles and memorable moments, adding even more significance to Saturday's matchup. With both programs looking to add another title to their history, the stage is set for another exciting championship showdown.