DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College women's soccer team is set to kick off its 2026 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 5, when the Duhawks welcome Trine University to the Rock Bowl for an 11 a.m. match up.

Loras enters the season with high expectations after being selected as the American Rivers Conference preseason favorites for the fifth consecutive year. The Duhawks are coming off a successful 2025 campaign that saw them capture the A-R-C Tournament title and earn a berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

"We're excited for the season to get going," said head coach Matt Pucci. "We have a great returning core and added some exciting newcomers to the family. It's been a great preseason so far, and we're continuing to improve ourselves every day."

Leading that returning core is Emerson Gasmann, who is coming off a standout season for the Purple and Gold. The McHenry, Ill. native recorded nine goals last season on her way to earning A-R-C All-Conference honors and United Soccer Coaches (USC) Second Team All-Region recognition.

Emily Bowe also returns after making an immediate impact during her freshman season. Bowe found the back of the net eight times while adding an assist and will look to build on that production in her sophomore season.

The Duhawks will also lean on the experience of Kaitlin Glenn, Mayte Navejas and Cana Duckworth, who return to provide a veteran presence throughout the lineup.

After their matchup with the Eagles, the Duhawks will return to the Rock Bowl three more times on Sept. 9, 12, and 13, before hitting the road to take on Carroll University on Sept. 16.