Season Opener Showdown
The 2026 women's soccer season begins on August 12 when the NC State Wolfpack travel to face the James Madison Dukes at Sentara Park in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
It marks the first of two road contests for NC State in Virginia, with a subsequent matchup against VCU scheduled for August 16.
Wolfpack’s Momentum
A win would give head coach Gary Higgins his sixth victory of the season and his 116th career triumph, while also representing the program’s third all‑time victory over James Madison.
The Wolfpack are looking to extend a turnaround that saw them finish 5‑9‑4 in 2025 and climb to a six‑match unbeaten streak, highlighted by an upset of No. 12 Wake Forest.
Duke’s Offensive Threat
James Madison, fresh off a 9‑4‑6 season that earned them the No. 5 seed in the Sun Belt Championship, will rely on 2026 Offensive Player of the Year Ginny Lackey, who contributed 11 goals, six assists and 28 points last year.
The series between the two schools stands tied at 2‑2 with no draws, setting the stage for another competitive encounter.