Preseason Predictions
The Lone Star Conference (LSC) has announced its 2026 women's soccer preseason poll, revealing the expectations of coaches and sports information directors across the league. Lubbock Christian University (LCU) is projected to finish ninth, accumulating 336 points, just behind St. Edward's University, which earned 338 points for an eighth‑place forecast. West Texas A&M University rounds out the bottom three with a tenth‑place projection. In contrast, Dallas Baptist University (DBU) is the clear favorite, being selected to capture the conference championship.
Key Players to Watch
Alongside the team forecasts, the conference highlighted three standout athletes who will be watched closely throughout the season. Senior defender Casey Storer, a native of Keller, Texas, returns for his fourth year with LCU, having logged 47 career appearances and 41 starts. Senior goalkeeper Emma Wright, who anchored the LCU backline last season, will look to build on a 1.01 goals‑against average and a .797 save percentage. Junior defender Riley Espinoza, who transferred from Missouri Western, adds experience after a sophomore campaign that included five assists and two goals.
Tournament Format
The postseason will feature the top eight teams based on final standings, with the tournament scheduled for November 6‑14. Early rounds and quarterfinal matches will be hosted on the campuses of the higher seeds, while the championship game’s venue will be determined by the No. 1 seed. This structure rewards regular‑season performance and provides a clear pathway for teams aiming to secure the automatic qualification to the NCAA tournament.
Season Outlook
LCU enters the new campaign after a modest 8‑8‑2 record in 2025, having earned the seventh seed in the previous tournament before falling out in the first round. The team will open its schedule on August 29 against Fort Lewis College, a non‑conference opponent, before diving into conference play. With a blend of returning veterans and fresh talent, the 2026 season promises to be competitive for LCU and the rest of the LSC.