Season Opener Preview
The Pride will open its 2026 campaign with back‑to‑back home fixtures at Cindy Lewis Stadium, beginning with a Friday afternoon showdown against Rider before welcoming Bryant on Sunday afternoon. Both contests will be broadcast live on FloCollege, with real‑time statistics feeding fans a deeper view of the action.
Third‑year head coach Hillary Fitts returns to the helm after guiding the program to a nine‑win season in 2025, a marked turnaround that has set high expectations for the upcoming schedule.
Returning Stars and New Faces
Among the returning standouts, preseason All‑CAA selection Luci Hollister will look to build on a sophomore campaign that saw her stop 90 shots and post a 2.12 goals‑against average, while honorable mentions Gwenn van Dijk and Kelly Levengood will anchor an offense that ranked among the CAA’s most potent units last year.
The roster also welcomes a wave of newcomers, including transfers Juana Laskowski and Victoria Nazar from LIU and Sarah Smalley, who arrived from Syracuse, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
Opponent Outlook
Rider enters the series after a modest 8‑10 finish in 2025, a record that included a 2‑0 setback to newcomer Fairfield in the NEC Tournament semifinals, while Bryant struggled to a 4‑14 slate, dropping a double‑overtime decision to Hofstra on September 7.
Historically, the Pride holds a favorable edge, boasting a 16‑17 all‑time edge over Rider and a 4‑2 advantage against Bryant, setting the stage for another competitive chapter in the rivalry.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the team aims to translate early momentum into a sustained push for conference contention as the season unfolds.