The Wolfpack will step onto the turf at the VCU Athletic Village at 1 p.m. on August 16, 2026, for the second contest of the 2026 campaign. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the action from the Richmond arena.
A Storied Series
NC State holds an 8‑1 edge in the all‑time series, and the most recent meeting in Richmond during 2024 ended in a 5‑0 triumph highlighted by Mana Nakata’s first career goal. Over the past six meetings the Wolfpack have outscored the Rams 12‑2, underscoring a clear historical advantage.
Momentum and Milestones
Coach Mark Gary Higgins is chasing his seventh win of the season, a milestone that would mark the 409th victory in program history and his 117th career win. The Wolfpack entered the season with a 3‑1 victory over James Madison on August 12, a result that featured Jade Bordeleau’s brace and Alex Mohr’s first collegiate goal, breaking a 1‑1 deadlock in the 60th minute.
VCU’s New Look
The Rams are returning key contributors, including freshman sensation Isabelle Franklin, who burst onto the scene with three goals and an assist in 2025, earning back‑to‑back A‑10 Rookie of the Week honors. Alongside her, Jensyn Lins, Keira McCloskey and Monique McEnhimer are expected to provide additional firepower after a 7‑10‑3 season under first‑year head coach Lauryn Hutchinson.
What’s at Stake
A win would give NC State its ninth all‑time victory over VCU and cement a 2‑0 start to the season, while also extending a six‑match winning streak that has seen the Wolfpack outscore opponents 12‑2. The matchup also marks the continuation of a schedule that began with a 3‑1 win over James Madison, a game that showcased the team’s depth and resilience.
As the two programs prepare to meet, the narrative is clear: NC State seeks to translate its early‑season momentum into another dominant performance, while VCU hopes to leverage the experience of its returning stars to close the gap. The stage is set for a compelling contest that could shape the early trajectory of both teams in the Atlantic 10 landscape.