Women’s Soccer Picked Fifth in MAC Freedom Coaches’ Preseason Poll

Newtown, Pa.- The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom coaches have released their preseason poll ahead of the 2026 women's soccer season. The Marywood University women's soccer team was chosen fifth with 37 points.

Misericordia edged Stevens by a single point, 61 to 60, to take the top spot in the preseason poll, with the Cougars earning five first-place votes to Stevens' four.

Arcadia was picked third with 48 points, followed by Lebanon Valley in fourth with 40 points. Marywood rounds out the top five at 37 points.

The full preseason order: Misericordia (61 points, 5 first-place votes), Stevens (60, 4), Arcadia (48), Lebanon Valley (40), Marywood (37), DeSales (32), FDU-Florham (22), King's (16) and Delaware Valley (8).

The Pacers concluded the 2025 campaign with an overall record of 16-2-0 and a perfect 7-0-0 in Atlantic East Conference play. They now embark on their first season as member of the MAC Freedom.

Richard Owens is in his fourth season as the head coach of the program. Despite graduating some key seniors from last year's squad, Marywood has some strong returners on this year's team.

The Pacers bring back three of its all-conference selections in Genevieve Morrison, Faith Meals, and Bryn Stiles who all earned first team recognition. In addition, the squad returns Maura Kirkpatrick who earned AEC Tournament MVP and first team all-conference honors in 2024.

Marywood opens the season on the road at Penn State Altoona on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The Pacers begin MAC Freedom play on Saturday, Oct. 3, traveling to Arcadia for their conference opener.

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Players Mentioned

#20 Maura Kirkpatrick: M/F; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#4 Faith Meals: D; 5' 5"; Sophomore

#1 Genevieve Morrison: GK; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#26 Bryn Stiles: F; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#20 Maura Kirkpatrick
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: M/F

#4 Faith Meals
: 5' 5"; Sophomore
: D

#1 Genevieve Morrison
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: GK

#26 Bryn Stiles
: 5' 8"; Junior
: F