The 2026 Great Northeast Athletic Conference women's soccer preseason poll has been released, and Rivier University sits at the top with 186 points, earning seven first‑place votes.
Emmanuel College follows closely with 184 points and also received seven first‑place votes, while Lasell University secures third place with 155 points.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is projected seventh with 113 points and is aiming to return to the GNAC Tournament, bolstered by junior defender Maeve Davis of Scarborough, Maine, who earned Third Team All‑GNAC honors last season, and junior goalkeeper Ashlyn Guerette of Merrimack, New Hampshire, who recorded 101 saves and six shutouts in 2025.
Coaching continuity
Head coach Jennelle Harris begins her 14th season at the helm of the Saint Joseph's program, bringing continuity and experience to the squad.
The season kicks off on September 1, with ten teams opening their campaigns, and conference play resumes on September 12, featuring six scheduled matches, including Saint Joseph's debut at Lasell University on September 16.
The GNAC Tournament will run from October 31 through November 7, culminating in the championship game on November 7, where the conference champion will secure an automatic berth in the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament.