TROY, N.Y. — The RPI field hockey team added another historic accomplishment to its record-setting 2026 season Tuesday, earning the program's first-ever national ranking after debuting at No. 25 in the Penn Monto/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III National Coaches Poll.
The Engineers, who own a 13-2 overall record, received 41 points in this week's poll after being unranked a week ago. RPI joins the national Top 25 for the first time in program history following a historic stretch that has also seen the Engineers capture their first Liberty League regular season championship.
RPI clinched the league's regular season crown this past weekend with a 1-0 victory over Ithaca at Harkness Field, improving to a perfect 6-0 in Liberty League play. The championship secured the Engineers the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming Liberty League Tournament, which begins next week.
The victory over Ithaca also extended RPI's program-record winning streak to 12 consecutive games. After opening the season 1-2, the Engineers have not lost since early September and have combined one of the nation's most productive offenses with a defense that has consistently limited opponents during the streak.
RPI's success is reflected throughout the NCAA Division III statistical rankings. The Engineers rank seventh nationally in winning percentage at .857 while sitting among the country's leaders in several offensive categories.
RPI ranks second nationally with 11.6 penalty corners per game, highlighting an attack that has consistently generated sustained pressure in the offensive end. The Engineers also rank 10th in Division III at 3.7 goals per game and 11th with 9.6 points per contest.
The Engineers are additionally 17th nationally with 2.3 assists per game and 24th with a 2.0 scoring margin.
The balanced attack has been a defining feature of RPI's season, with contributions throughout the lineup complementing one of the most productive offensive groups in Division III. The Engineers have scored at least four goals eight times this season, including six games with five or more.
