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Panthers cement dynasty with fourth straight AUFH championship

Championships are hard to win—dynasties are even harder to build.

Panthers cement dynasty with fourth straight AUFH championship
October 20, 2025

By Thomas Becker

Championships are hard to win—dynasties are even harder to build.

But the UPEI Panthers field hockey team made it look routine Sunday afternoon, capturing their fourth straight Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) title with a 3-0 victory over the Dalhousie Tigers. 

The triumph punctuated another dominant season for UPEI, which earlier in the day punched its ticket to the final by blanking Acadia 4-0. When it mattered most, the Panthers once again rose to the occasion, blending composure, grit, and trademark possession play to keep their hold on the conference crown. 

The opening quarter was tight and tactical, with UPEI dictating much of the tempo but struggling to find clear chances. That changed early in the second, when Carly Acorn scored off a penalty corner. From there, the Panthers began to generate more consistent pressure, tilting the momentum firmly in their favour. 

Up 1-0 heading into the final frame, the Panthers finally found breathing room when captain Kali Smith doubled the lead with 11 minutes remaining. Dalhousie pulled their goalie in a desperate push late, but league MVP Kayla Batchilder sealed the win with a late insurance marker to make it 3-0 and send UPEI into celebration mode.

"We are really proud of their effort today and all season," said head coach Lacey MacLauchlan, who was named this season's AUFH Coach of the Year. "It's a special group, and we're really proud to be able to take home the trophy four years in a row. 

We never counted Dalhousie out. It was a 1-0 game for a long time, and it only takes one chance to tie it. But we executed our game plan, played for each other, and won the 50-50 balls that made the difference."

For Smith, the victory was more than just another championship, it was the culmination of five seasons of commitment, growth, and belief.

"Pure relief and excitement flooded through my body at the final whistle," she said. "Proud doesn't begin to describe how I feel about this group. Every single player showed up for one another, and I'm so grateful to have been part of this team." 

With the four-peat secured, the Panthers now turn their focus to the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship in under two weeks.

"The AUFH title was our first priority," Smith added. "Now we're focused on nationals. We learned a lot last year and hope to build on that—we're looking for our first round robin win."