The UC Davis women's soccer team is set to open its 2026 campaign at home, welcoming Sacramento State to Aggie Soccer Field on August 16. The matchup marks the first test of a roster that blends 15 returning players with 13 newcomers, including six first‑year transfers from a mix of programs across the country.
Roster reshaping for a new era
Among the newcomers are Lakelee Perkins and Genavieve Fontes, who arrived from Cal Poly and Santa Clara respectively, while six first‑year transfers came from Nevada, Purdue and Butler. Their arrival follows a 2‑0 season‑opening win at Fresno State and a 5‑2 victory for Sacramento State over Pacific, setting a competitive tone for the year.
A storied rivalry renewed
UC Davis carries a 17‑5‑4 lead in the all‑time series against Sacramento State, a record that includes a six‑match unbeaten streak since 2018. The last win by the Hornets dates back to 2017, underscoring the Aggies’ recent dominance.
Leadership and coaching continuity
Team captains Savannah Cordero, Ashleigh Garcia and Livi Lewis anchor the side, while head coach Kat Mertz, in her second year at the helm, draws on previous coaching experiences at UNLV, St. Louis, Oregon and MSU Denver. Under her guidance the program aims to extend its unbeaten home‑opener streak to four, having narrowly missed a perfect run in 2023.
The match will be streamed live on MW+ with real‑time stats via Stat Broadcast, and tickets will be available from $10 for youth to $85 for groups, with general admission starting at $13. The game also marks the first step toward the Aggies’ upcoming move to the Mountain West Conference for the 2026‑27 season.