Pitt State Women's Soccer Braces for High‑Profile Season Opener
The Pittsburg State University women's soccer squad opens the 2026 campaign with two home fixtures that pit them against some of the nation’s most highly regarded opponents. On Aug. 27, the Gorillas will welcome the preseason United Soccer Coaches No. 9 ranked University of Missouri‑St. Louis Tritons at 1:00 p.m. CDT, followed four days later by a matchup with East Central University at the same kickoff time.
Guiding the team is Wes Branstetter, who earned MIAA Coach of the Year honors in 2025 and is entering his third season at the helm. Branstetter’s early success has set a high bar, and he believes the early schedule will test his squad while sharpening it for the conference grind.
The roster returns several All‑MIAA standouts who helped the Gorillas capture the league title and advance to the NCAA Division II National Tournament last year. Carrie Cunningham, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, anchors the attack, while midfielder Abby Hoffman, a first‑team All‑MIAA selection, contributed five assists in 2025. Goalkeeper Jocelyn Kramar, also a first‑team honoree, posted a 0.73 goals‑against average, and Ella Cazzavillan and Livi Jones earned second‑team accolades.
Opponents bring their own storylines. The Tritons, coached by Joseph Quiray in his second year, finished the previous season with a 1‑13‑4 record but broke into the preseason top ten. East Central, also under Quiray, posted a 1‑13‑4 mark in 2025, making the upcoming clash a chance for redemption for both programs.
Beyond the immediate matches, the early schedule could shape the Gorillas’ trajectory in the Mid‑America Intercollegiate Athletic Association and influence their seeding for the national tournament. A strong start would reinforce the team’s momentum as they look to defend their MIAA crown and replicate last year’s deep playoff run.