The Ohio Valley Conference released its 2026 women's soccer preseason poll, positioning SIUE fifth among the league's ten programs. The Cougars received a modest vote total, trailing the leaders Lindenwood, Eastern Illinois and Southern Indiana, who each earned first-place votes.
Among the standout names on the watch list are senior goalkeeper Sarah Bozeman and sophomore forward Tori Bockstadter, both highlighted as players to watch as the season approaches.
The Cougars will open their campaign with an exhibition match at UIC on November 5 at 3:30 p.m., before kicking off the regular season on August 12 against Alabama A&M at 3 p.m. A deep returning core, featuring more than two dozen athletes, gives the team continuity and depth.
Championship Bracket and Schedule
The OVC tournament is slated to begin on November 5 with first-round contests, followed by semifinals on November 12 and the championship game on November 15 at the venue of the No. 1 seed. This structure sets the stage for a tightly contested finish to the year.
With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, SIUE aims to climb higher than its fifth-place preseason standing and contend for the conference title.