La Salle University’s women’s soccer program received a boost this week as head coach Paul Royal unveiled the 2026 schedule, a slate that blends early road challenges with a home‑heavy stretch and a full Atlantic 10 slate.
Season Opener and Early Road Tests
The campaign kicks off with an exhibition match against Monmouth on August 5, before the regular season opens on August 13 at McCarthy Stadium against American University. The Explorers then travel to face the University of Virginia on August 20 and Bucknell University on August 23, before returning home for contests versus Drexel on August 27 and Columbia on August 30.
Non‑conference play continues into September with road trips to Lafayette, Howard and Lehigh, setting the stage for the first Atlantic 10 showdown on September 19 at home against Davidson College.
Atlantic 10 Road and Home Battles
Conference play begins on September 24 with a road test at Loyola University Chicago, followed by a home series against Richmond, Saint Louis and Duquesne in October. The regular season wraps up with a final home match against Dayton University before the Atlantic 10 tournament runs from November 6 to November 15.
Coach Royal highlighted the team’s continuity, noting that the Explorers will return their top five goal scorers from the 2025 campaign and that senior leaders Rylee Henson and Justyce Hollenbach have been named captains, while Ella Cadigan and Jaci Gismondi serve as co‑captains.
The announcement underscores a blend of experience and fresh leadership that Royal believes will keep the program moving forward.