The Souhegan field hockey team would love to repeat this title celebration this fall. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

The Souhegan High School girls field hockey team isn’t fooling around.

No, the defending Division II champions, who have nearly all of their title team in tact, are taking things a step further this year in facing four Division I opponents. And not softies either.

No, the Sabers, starting with Monday’s game at Pinkerton, have four Division I opponents on the schedule, including an all local matchup with Bishop Guertin, plus Keene and Bedford.

“These should challenge us and we will be ready for that challenge,” Sabers head coach Kelli Braley said. “We’re excited for that challenge.”

Two of those teams, Bishop Guertin and Pinkerton, open up against each other today at 6 p.m. at Stellos Stadium. It will be the official debut of Cards new coach Katie Bourque, who had a ton of success at Windham. Nashua North hosts Dover, also at Stellos, in a 4 p.m. tilt.

Here’s the rundown for 2026:

DIVISION I

The Cards lost on the road last season in the first round to Exeter in a 1-0 thriller to finish 8-9. Key players this year are senior midfielder Sophia Harrington, senior defender Grace Spangler, sophomore midfielder Kayle Cruishank and freshman forward Dev Amico.

“We have great team energy and real love for the game right now,” Bourque said. “We’re very excited for the season ahead.”

Nahua South is looking to make strides from last year’s non-tourney season, with key seniors forward Isabel Picanco and defender Emme Christian. Three juniors to watch are all midfielders: Sofia Forti, Maddie Langer, and Molly Mullaney.

“The team had a very productive off-season and have made great strides so that we could hit the ground running in the preseason,” Panthers coach Ciki McIntire said. “We’re looking forward to a fun and competitive season.”

Nashua North hopes to build off the great ending to last season: the program’s first win in several years.

“After earning our first win in years last season, the team is focused on continuing to make progress, competing hard each game, and just playing their hearts out,” new head coach Casi Smith, a Titan assistant last year who swapped roles with former head coach Kat Previte.

It’s a small squad but leading the way are three key seniors: midfielder Maddie Dratch, defender Jordi Lopez, and defender/midfielder Sam Nardone. Lopez has switched positions from her previous forward spot.

Also key are sophomore goalie Sophia Wine and freshman defender Hannah O’Neil.

Merrimack’s longtime middle school coach of 22 years, Jill Petrillo, is now taking over the varsity job to see the fruits of her labor. Team leaders are goalie Annabelle Cassetty, Jocelyn Theriault at center midfield, and Sydnee Capen on defense or midfield. Also look for junior Allie Wyand and sophomore Grace Massey as the team tries to improve from a 7-9-1 season, but a tourney season nonetheless.

All these players Driscoll has coached at the middle school level.

“We’re expecting strong defense and goalkeeping, along with scoring depth,” she said. “Contributions from all grade levels, and most importantly, good sportsmanship and teamwork.”

DIVISION II

The Sabers, who open Friday at home vs.St.Thomas, are simply loaded. They lost just two to graduation from last year’s 17-1-1 title team, and have the one-two punch back of midfield sisters senior Ori Dart and sophomore Mariellah, both of whom scored in the title game, the latter with the game-winner.

Other key seniors include Avery Wyborney on defense plus forwards Ella Russell and Eme Godin.

“We’re looking to build on the incredible season we had,” Braley said.

Hollis Brookline (13-4-1 last year) would love to have something to say about that, two years removed from its own state title.

Watch for senior forwards Anna McGurk and Lillian Hamilton, plus seniors goalie Maddie Barich and defender Addyson Olszewski. An important junior is defender Paige Shirley.

“We’re looking forward to another season built on hard work, discipline, and a strong team-first mentality,” Cavs coach Greg Cochrane said. “We want to play with energy, confidence, and purpose … Most important, we want to continue building a culture where doing the next right thing is the standard.”

Milford has yet another new coach in Tracie Thorp. After yet another tough non-tourney season last year, the Spartans are looking to rebound and show some progress this year.