SEASON PREVIEW: Panthers hunt for AUFH three-peat, ready for national stage

By Thomas Becker

For the past two seasons, the UPEI Panthers have dominated Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH), claiming back-to-back titles and cementing themselves as the team to beat. 

This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the Panthers look to defend their crown but also compete in the U SPORTS National Invitational Championship, hosted by Ontario University Athletics this fall, for the first time since 2015.

Last season, the Panthers finished atop the standings with a stellar 10-2-0 record, edging out the Dalhousie Tigers, who finished with a strong 9-1-2 mark. The two teams met in a fiercely contested final, where UPEI emerged victorious 1-0.

"We're working hard to defend our title this year, and it's going to take a full team effort," said head coach Lacey MacLauchlan. "Our primary goal is to win, and the team recognizes our daily actions in training sessions and our everyday decisions drive our success."

Heading into the 2024 season, the Panthers return much of the core that led them to success last year. Despite losing some key players, they remain the title favourites. The departure of graduates Lindsey Doiron, Jessica Watts, Taylor Mitton, and Erica Penwell will be felt offensively, as this quartet accounted for 25 of the team's league-leading 49 goals. However, UPEI is confident they have the depth and emerging talent to fill those gaps and continue their offensive dominance.

One of the defining characteristics of this UPEI squad is their speed, both with and without the ball. Their quick movement and precise passing have been a hallmark of their style for years, and they've been working hard to maintain that level of play.

At the forefront of the Panthers' attack is Kayla Batchilder, who took the league by storm last year as a rookie, finishing as the league's top scorer with 10 goals. With her ability to find the back of the net and create scoring chances, Batchilder is expected to be a focal point in the Panthers' offensive schemes. Fourth-year veterans Jenaya Ross and Maria McLane also bring stability and experience to the forward line, providing leadership and consistency that will be crucial as the team prepares for more challenging competition. One of the most exciting additions to the team is rookie forward Carly Acorn, who turned heads at the high school level and is expected to contribute right away. 

In the midfield, the Panthers are in good hands with returning all-stars Livi Lawlor and Kali Smith. Both players have a high work rate and are equally effective on both ends of the field, making them key to UPEI's ability to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Their ability to seamlessly transition from defence to attack will be pivotal as the Panthers look to control the midfield once again. 

On the defensive end, the Panthers boast a strong mix of veterans and promising newcomers. Charlotte Thompson, who played a crucial role in the centre defence position last season, returns to anchor the backline. Joining her are defenders Ella Hennessey, Ella MacDougall, and Katie-Grace Noye, all of whom were part of a defensive unit that allowed just six goals in 2023. Rookie defender Sophie Crabbe is another player to watch, as she has shown the potential to make an immediate impact. Goalkeeper Julie Hall replaces Dakota Patter in net and will be the last line of defence. 

"We know it will be a challenging season, but the competition drives this group. We're ready to surprise a lot of people," Smith said. "I'm optimistic about what this group will achieve, but most importantly, I'm grateful that this is the group with which I am ending my UPEI field hockey career."