There must be something special about Kohn Field, home of the Middlebury field hockey team, for it is there that the Panthers have won 40 straight games.
This miraculous home win streak dates back to Sept. 27, 2017, when the Panthers bounced back from a 2–3 loss against Hamilton (one of just two losses of the season) with a 6–2 drubbing of Skidmore. (That year, field hockey would go on to claim its third-ever NCAA championship.)
With a 4–1 win over Babson on Sept. 19, that win streak now stands at 40 games. The team has won many collective and individual accomplishments during this span, including three NESCAC Championships and three NCAA National Championships. On the individual level, Erin Nicholas ’22 has won National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Player of the Year the past two seasons, and Katie George ’23 was named NESCAC Rookie of the Year and All American in 2019.
While field hockey’s dearth of all-star talent has played a key role in their success, much of the credit is owed to Head Coach Katharine DeLorenzo, who has won NESCAC Coach of the Year the past three seasons (2017–19). Now in her 21st season of coaching this year, DeLorenzo has amassed a 316–62 record for a win percentage of .836, the highest in program history. Known for her excellent eye for recruits and her attacking style of play, the coach is inextricably connected to the team’s success.
Among the team’s current, super star-filled roster, Nicholas, Audrey Lazar ’23 and George stand out as the top scorers, while Charlotte Marks ’23 and Joan Vera ’22 have anchored the defense in front of Grace Harlan ’22.5 in goal. With a well-balanced and talented roster, only time will tell how far the Panthers can stretch their home win streak.
Field hockey (8–0) returns to Kohn Field on Sunday, Oct. 3, when they play host to Amherst College (7–0). Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Charles Crounse '24 (he/him) is the senior sports editor for the Campus. He has previously worked as a writer and staff editor for the section. Charles is pursuing a major in environmental policy and a minor in French, and in his free time he enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring Vermont. He is also a member of the club soccer team on campus.
