PROVIDENCE, RI- The Little East Conference released its preseason poll in field hockey on Tuesday afternoon. The Vermont State Castleton field hockey team was picked fourth out of eight teams with a total of 28 points.

2025 LEC regular season champion Eastern Connecticut was tabbed to finish first with 45 points and four first place votes. Defending 2025 LEC Tournament champion Keene State was one point behind with 44 points and three first place votes. Southern Maine follows in third place with 40 points and one first place vote. The rest of the poll can be viewed below.

The Spartans are coming off an 8-11 2025 season and had a 3-3 record in LEC play. The team advanced to the semifinals of the LEC Tournament.

VTSU Castleton returns junior Gwyn Vincent, a 2025 Second Team All-LEC forward, along with fifth year Peyton Richardson and junior Ava LaRoss. LaRoss led the team with nine goals with Vincent tallying eight scores.

The Spartans begin their 2026 season on September 1 when they travel to Union College. The home opener is September 4 against Vassar with the LEC opener at Western Connecticut State on October 3.
 
 
2026 LEC Field Hockey Preseason Coaches' Poll
Institution – Points (First-Place Votes)
1. Eastern Connecticut – 45 (4)
2. Keene State – 44 (3)
3. Southern Maine – 40 (1)
4. Vermont State Castleton – 28
5. Western Connecticut – 25
6. Plymouth State – 21
7. UMass Dartmouth – 12
8. UMass Boston – 9