For years, Haverford field hockey has worked to climb out of the shadows of Centennial Conference giants like Johns Hopkins, Swarthmore, and Franklin & Marshall. The Fords' success stems from a blend of veteran leadership and high-energy contributions across the roster. That commitment has been visible on the field.
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 on 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.
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.
Photo courtesy of David Sinclair Photography
Key Players and Their Contributions
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.
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“Every single person on our team has a distinct role, and that’s what’s so special,” Vincent said. 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.
Dominance on the Field
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.
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. 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. 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.”
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Upcoming Challenges
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.
Key Statistics of Haverford Field Hockey Team
| Statistic | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 2nd in Centennial Conference |
| Goals Allowed per Game | 2nd in Centennial Conference (1 per game) |
| Shutouts (Steph Ionescu) | Tied for 2nd in Centennial Conference |
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