Cleveland State Women's Soccer will begin the 2026 season with two consecutive road games, first against Kent State on August 13 and then against Eastern Kentucky on August 16, setting the tone for a demanding early stretch.
The matchup with Kent State marks the third straight year the Vikings have opened against the Golden Flashes, a streak that began six of the last eight seasons and includes a 14‑2‑3 series advantage for Kent State, highlighted by a 1‑0 victory last season.
Eastern Kentucky entered the preseason as the top pick in the United Soccer Coaches United Athletic Conference (UAC) poll after a 10‑4‑5 record in 2025, and will field returning standouts such as midfielder Chiara Premoli, named to the 2026 NCAA D‑1 Midfielders Watch List, and goalkeeper Jordan LeVasseur.
Cleveland State finished the 2025 campaign with a 4‑6‑7 overall record and a 1‑3‑6 mark in the Horizon League, but the roster returns 17 players, including top scorers Cortlyn Hefty and Hayleigh Lewis, who contributed 65 saves and four shutouts respectively, as well as captains Olivia Cruz and Cortlyn Hefty.
Looking Ahead to Duquesne
The Vikings' next test will be a home clash with Duquesne on August 20 at Krenzler Field, a game that will provide an early gauge of how the newly integrated lineup performs against a fellow Horizon League opponent.