ROCK HILL, S.C. - One of the most successful programs in the SAC, the Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Soccer team has been picked to finish third this season, as picked by the conference coaches.
Midfielder
Ava Hartman, defender
Rosa Gonzalez, and goalkeeper
Riley Miller have all been named to the Preseason All-Conference Team. Lenoir-Rhyne joins Catawba as the only two teams to have three individuals on the Preseason All-Conference Team.
Last season the Bears went 13-2-5 (8-0-3 SAC) and won their fifth SAC Tournament title, taking down Lincoln Memorial 3-1 in the championship game. This year will be the first season under new Head Coach Justin Maullin, who joined the Bears following a successful tenure at Guilford College. This year's Bears squad will feature some key returners, such as Harman, Gonzalez, Miller,
Nicole Auger, and
Carola Busquets. In addition to those returners, there are 21 newcomers (16 freshman, five transfers) who make up the team.
The Bears open their season with four consecutive home matches, taking on Lee in their season opener on Thursday, September 4th. They host Lincoln Memorial in their SAC opener on Saturday, September 13th. Their non-conference slate is highlighted by matchups against #2 Columbus State and #12 North Georgia.
2025 SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
1. Wingate - 94 points (5 first-place votes)
2. Catawba - 91 points (4 first-place votes)
3. Lenoir-Rhyne - 88 points (2 first-place votes)
4. Lincoln Memorial - 66 points
5. Anderson - 64 points
6. Carson-Newman - 56 points
7. Coker - 47 points
8. Emory & Henry - 37 points
9. Newberry - 27 points
10. Tusculum - 25 points
11. Mars Hill - 10 points
