The Bulldogs entered the 2026 campaign with modest expectations, landing 10th in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference preseason coaches poll. Yet the program’s recent history suggests that a modest ranking can mask a team poised for a rebound, especially after missing the playoffs by a narrow two‑point margin the previous season.
Key Offensive and Defensive Threats
Jessica Eischens, a native of North Oaks, Minnesota, returns as a three‑time NSIC All‑Conference Second Team selection. Her offensive contributions last year included two goals and six assists, underscoring her ability to create scoring chances from the wing. Coach Greg Cane repeatedly praised her competitive spirit and work ethic, noting that her leadership elevates the entire unit.
Defensively, Kailey Tomzak from Lakeville, Minnesota, will anchor the back line. She started all 18 games in 2025, registering two assists and four shots on goal while earning a reputation for consistency and reliability. Cane described her as a natural team leader whose presence steadies the defense.
Coach Cane’s Vision for Improvement
Head coach Greg Cane emphasized that the offseason was marked by heightened effort and commitment from the roster. He believes the combination of Eischens’ attacking flair and Tomzak’s defensive solidity, coupled with a collective hunger to improve, can close the gap that kept the Bulldogs out of the postseason last year.
Preseason camp kicked off on Monday at noon, setting the stage for the team’s first test on August 28. The Bulldogs open the season on the road in Houghton, Michigan, facing Michigan Tech University at Kearly Stadium. The matchup will be a litmus test for a squad that finished 6‑8‑4 overall and 5‑7‑3 in conference play.
Conference Landscape
The NSIC preseason poll was dominated by Minnesota State University, Mankato, which garnered 13 first‑place votes and 223 points. Concordia‑St. Paul, Bemidji State, and Augustana followed in the next three spots. Notably, St. Cloud State, fresh off an NCAA Tournament Round of 16 appearance, rounded out the top five, indicating a deep and competitive field.