4-0 and Far From Finished: Monmouth Field Hockey Is On a Mission
Ben Kane
Heartbreak seldom provides a recipe for success. However, for the Monmouth field hockey team, overtime losses in the past two CAA championship games have been a driving force to make sure the story of the 2025 season has a different ending.
So how do you start the climb toward accomplishing your goal?
A 4-0 start to the season paired with one of the hottest offenses in the country.
After two straight seasons of falling in the final game of the conference tournament, Monmouth looks ready to right its wrongs and is off to one of the most dominant starts since the program’s inception.
Fresh off its first national ranking in program history (No.19 on NFHCA), the Hawks sit amongst the nation’s best in the early season, placing as one of just five teams with a 4-0 record and one of 16 undefeated programs, including fellow CAA competitor Northeastern.
The Hawks' start to the campaign couldn’t have gone any better, scoring 39 seconds into the season opener before routing California 7-2. With points from 12 different players, Monmouth is on an impressive 12-1 run in its last 13 home openers.
“We have a great foundation, and it [the victory] happened because of a total team effort,” said Head Coach Carli Figlio following the win.
“The work this group has put in—on the field, in training, and in their preparation—was incredible, and it showed today. I'm proud of how we executed, but even more proud of how we did it together.”
Figlio’s side continued to build on its strong performances each and every week, defeating LIU 9-1, moving past Temple 5-2, and most recently, a 7-1 result over Rider.
Outscoring their opponents 28-6 during the streak and sitting first in the nation with 7.0 goals per game, Monmouth has proven it isn’t shaken by the losses of two of its highest point-getters last season, Jess Tucker and Sofia Fouces.
Stars remain in West Long Branch, including last season’s top scorer, Anna Moors. With six goals in the early season, the junior has already reached the tally it took 15 games for her to collect last season.
Moors isn’t alone; players like Claire Campen have a hot stick with five goals to her name this season. 2024 CAA Rookie of the Year Milla Frye also got her campaign going early with two goals in her first two games.
As a whole, the Hawks look stronger than ever, outscoring their opponents 28-6 and maintaining the highest scoring margin in the nation at 21 goals.
Monmouth hasn’t had a problem keeping balls out of the goal either, restricting its opponents to 23 shots on target and not allowing more than two goals in each of its four games.
Holding at least a four-goal lead over each of its opponents by the third quarter through its first four games, the Hawks are showing they don’t need overtime, let alone a fourth frame, to seal a victory.
After back-to-back championship losses, the Hawks aren’t just winning, but dominating and showing they are on the right path towards a CAA Title.
The Hawks next take the field on Friday, Sept. 12, in Pennsylvania against Lehigh with the game set to start at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to get up-to-date information and learn more about the CAA’s member institutions and their teams.