Center Valley, PA (August 17, 2026) - The DeSales University women's soccer team was picked to finish sixth in the MAC Freedom preseason poll, released by the conference office Monday morning. The poll was voted on by the eight head coaches in the conference.
 
The Bulldogs totaled 32 points, finishing just behind MAC Freedom newcomer, Marywood University. Misericordia University (61 points, 5 first place votes) was selected as the preseason favorite and Stevens was picked second with 60 points and four first place votes. Arcadia University and Lebanon Valley College rounded out the top four.

DeSales finished the 2025 season with a 4-9-3 overall record and a 2-4-1 mark in the MAC Freedom Conference, placing fifth in the MAC Freedom.

The Bulldogs return both players that earned Honorable-Mention All-MAC Freedom honors last season in senior Catherine Crampton and junior Campbell Pacheco. Crampton led the team in scoring in 2025 with three goals and two assists and was the only player to start and play in all 16 games, while Pacheco made 13 starts and appeared in 15-of-16 games in between the pipes totaling a 2.16 GAA with a .735 save percentage.

Other top returnees include senior Avery Lane and sophomore Emily Mulroony who each scored three goals as well as sophomores Hallie Murphy and Caitlyn Wnek who combined for 29 starts.  The Bulldogs welcome in 14 newcomers, including 13 first-year students. 
 
Head Coach Melina Couzis, is back on the sidelines for her third season leading the Bulldogs.  
 
DeSales opens the 2026 season with four straight home games beginning on September 2nd with Bryn Mawr College and host Stockton University on September 26th for Homecoming. The Bulldogs open MAC Freedom play on October 3rd on the road at FDU-Florham.
 
MAC Freedom Pre-Season Poll (first place votes)