Defending MAC Commonwealth Champion Stevenson Announces Challenging 2026 Field Hockey Schedule

by Brian Hradsky · July 15, 2026

Defending MAC Commonwealth Champion Stevenson Announces Challenging 2026 Field Hockey Schedule

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — After the most successful season in program history, Stevenson University is preparing for another run at a conference championship.

Head coach Morgan Bitting and the Mustangs officially unveiled their 2026 field hockey schedule this week, giving the reigning MAC Commonwealth champions an opportunity to defend their conference crown against another demanding slate of regional opponents. Stevenson enters the season with momentum after a record-breaking 2025 campaign that ended with the program’s first MAC Commonwealth Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Bitting enters her fifth season leading the Mustangs after transforming Stevenson into one of the top programs in the conference. Last season’s championship run established a new benchmark for the program, and expectations are even higher heading into 2026.

Defending Champions Face Early Tests

The Mustangs waste little time jumping into challenging competition.

Stevenson opens the season on September 5 with a road contest at the University of Washington before returning home for its home opener on September 9. The non-conference schedule also includes matchups against several strong regional programs that should prepare the Mustangs for the grind of MAC Commonwealth play.

Those early games will allow Stevenson to evaluate a roster looking to replace graduating seniors while continuing the winning culture established over the past several seasons.

Conference Title Defense Begins

The heart of the schedule comes with MAC Commonwealth competition.

Every conference matchup carries added importance as Stevenson attempts to repeat as league champion in one of Division III’s increasingly competitive conferences. Winning back-to-back championships is never easy, especially with every opponent looking to knock off the defending champions.

The Mustangs proved throughout 2025 they could handle pressure, finishing with the conference championship before earning an NCAA Tournament berth, giving many returning players valuable postseason experience.

Morgan Bitting Has Built a Winner

Since taking over the program, Morgan Bitting has steadily elevated Stevenson field hockey.

The 2025 season represented a breakthrough as the Mustangs captured the MAC Commonwealth title while setting multiple program records. That success has helped establish Stevenson as one of Maryland’s rising Division III athletic programs.

Bitting’s teams have become known for disciplined defense, aggressive offensive pressure, and a commitment to developing depth throughout the roster.

Now, the challenge shifts from becoming champions to staying champions.

Returning Experience Could Be the Difference

Although Stevenson graduated key contributors from its championship roster, the program welcomes back an experienced core that understands what it takes to compete in meaningful games.

Returning players gained invaluable postseason experience during last year’s championship run, something that cannot be replicated in practice.

That experience should help the Mustangs navigate another difficult schedule that includes quality non-conference opponents before conference play begins.

Building on Program History

The 2026 season represents more than simply another year on the calendar.

It is an opportunity for Stevenson to establish sustained excellence.

Programs become championship contenders by winning once. They become dynasties by consistently competing for titles year after year.

With an experienced coaching staff, a championship culture, and another challenging schedule, the Mustangs appear positioned to remain among the top contenders in the MAC Commonwealth.

If Stevenson successfully defends its conference championship, the 2025 title will be remembered not as a one-year breakthrough but as the beginning of a new era for Mustang field hockey.

2026 Outlook

The Mustangs enter the season with confidence, championship expectations, and a schedule designed to prepare them for another postseason run.

Replacing key veterans will be a challenge, but the foundation built over the past four seasons has Stevenson positioned to remain one of Maryland’s premier Division III field hockey programs.

If the Mustangs continue the defensive intensity and balanced attack that defined last year’s championship season, another MAC Commonwealth title and NCAA Tournament appearance are realistic goals for 2026.