CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – For the fourth consecutive year, the Loras College women's soccer team has been tabbed the preseason favorite to win the American Rivers Conference, according to the annual coaches' poll released Tuesday.

The Duhawks, who swept both the regular-season and tournament titles last year for the fourth straight season, earned seven first-place votes and 63 total points. Simpson College followed in second with two first-place votes and 57 points.

Wartburg College was picked third with 51 points, while the University of Dubuque (42 points) and Central College (35) rounded out the top five.

Head coach Matt Pucci enters his 10th season at the helm after leading Loras to a 20-0-2 record in 2024, including a perfect 8-0 mark in league play. The Duhawks advanced to the NCAA Tournament and reached the Sweet 16.

Loras returns five starters, including all-conference standouts Sierra Morgano and Bella Scesniak, but faces the task of replacing six departed starters.

The Duhawks open the 2025 season ranked ninth nationally in the United Soccer Coaches (USC) preseason poll and will travel to Duluth, Minn., to face St. Scholastica on Friday, Aug. 29. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.