A New Chapter for Wheeling Women's Soccer
Jaclyn Ketter, the newly appointed head coach of Wheeling University’s women’s soccer program, has released the 2026 schedule, signaling the start of a fresh era for the Cardinals.
The lineup blends a challenging road slate with a carefully timed home opener, as the team looks to rebuild after a 2025 campaign that ended 3‑11‑4 overall and 1‑9‑4 in Mountain East Conference play.
Ketter emphasized that the schedule is designed to test the squad early, with opening road matches against Walsh and Lake Erie before the home debut against Frostburg State on September 6.
The first home encounter with West Liberty will mark the inaugural ‘Battle for Wheeling’ showdown on September 13, a rivalry that has grown in intensity over recent seasons.
Early October will see the Cardinals host Charleston and Shawnee State, providing additional opportunities to fine‑tune tactics before the grind of conference play.
The regular season will culminate with the final leg of ‘The Battle for Wheeling’ on October 28, a rematch that could prove decisive in the fight for a return to the Mountain East Conference Tournament.
Ketter noted that the 2025 season, though marred by early defeats to Florida Southern and Lourdes University, featured a young roster bolstered by veteran leadership, a foundation she hopes to build upon.
With the schedule now set, the Cardinals are poised to turn the page, leveraging non‑conference road trips to gain experience while aiming to reclaim a spot in the MEC Tournament next spring.