The Nittany Lions are back at the top of the polls.

Penn State women’s hockey earned three preseason Atlantic Hockey America awards, including a first-place finish in the preseason poll, the conference announced Monday.

3⃣ pre-season conference honors secured for the Nittany Lions. #WeAre | #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/hHAaBxySKA

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) August 31, 2026

The first-place pick comes after the most successful season in program history, when Penn State finished with 33 wins and broke seven single-season program records. The Nittany Lions earned their first Frozen Four berth, but were ousted by Wisconsin in the semifinal game.

In addition to topping the poll, two players came away with preseason honors.

Junior Grace Outwater was named the AHA Pre-Season Player of the Year after coming off of a record-setting sophomore season. Outwater recorded career highs of 24 goals, 16 assists, and 40 points, which led her to the AHA scoring title. Outwater was also named to the Pre-Season All-Conference Team.

Sophomore Danica Maynard joined Outwater as a member of the Pre-Season All-Conference Team after a record-setting rookie season. Maynard tied the Penn State single-season defensemen points record with 33 points last season, solidifying herself as the AHA Rookie of the Year.

Penn State women’s hockey will return to the ice for a scrimmage on September 18 at home against RIT.