The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) has released its 2026 women’s soccer preseason poll, positioning Southern Indiana University at Evansville (SIUE) in fifth place. The ranking reflects a competitive landscape where Lindenwood, Eastern Illinois and Southern Indiana occupied the top three spots, while UT Martin and Southeast Missouri followed closely behind.
Players to Watch
Senior goalkeeper Sarah Bozeman headlines the watch list for SIUE, recognized for her consistent performances between the posts. Joining her is sophomore forward Tori Bockstadter, whose offensive contributions have already drawn attention from coaches and analysts alike.
The upcoming championship will feature SIUE as the No. 5 seed, hosting matches on November 5, with the second round scheduled for November 8 involving the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds. The title deciders are set for November 12 and 15 at the venue of the No. 1 seed, marking the 28th edition of the OVC Women's Soccer Championship.
Season action begins with an exhibition match at 3:30 p.m. against UIC, followed by the regular‑season opener on August 12 against Alabama A&M. The tournament’s structure, combined with the return of key defenders such as Colleen Bauer, Ella Kratochvil and Alex Tetteh from Eastern Illinois, promises a deep and engaging campaign.