The Minnesota State women's soccer team will open the 2026 season on Friday night, traveling to Edmond, Oklahoma, for a 7 p.m. kickoff against Central Oklahoma at Tom Thompson Field.
Ranking and Recent Success
The Mavericks enter the matchup ranked No. 15 in the nation and finished the previous season with an 18‑1‑4 overall record, going 13‑1‑1 in NSIC play. Their 431‑136‑61 all‑time mark reflects a program that has reached the NCAA tournament 19 times.
Senior Leadership and Defensive Excellence
Senior forward Maddix Archer leads the attack, while senior defender Mila Rustin anchors a back line that also features junior Marin Johnson, who contributed five goals last season. In goal, senior Lauren McAlpine earned United Soccer Coaches Third Team All‑American honors in 2025, underscoring the unit’s depth.
Head coach Brian Bahl, now in his 14th year, brings a stellar 208‑30‑36 record and has guided the program to seven regular‑season and nine tournament championships, including eight NSIC regular‑season titles since 2008.
Historical Edge and Upcoming Challenge
Minnesota State holds a 3‑2‑1 all‑time edge over Central Oklahoma, with the teams sharing a 1‑1 draw in last year’s meeting. The Mavericks will look to extend that advantage as they face a Central Oklahoma side that finished 10‑6‑5 overall and reached its conference championship game a season ago.
Sophomore forward Jane Lockhart paced the Oklahoma offense with four goals, while goaltender Avery Bass posted a .802 save percentage and a .870 goals‑against average, setting the stage for a competitive opener.