WINTHROP, Mass. – Following its best season in program history, the Rivier women's soccer team was selected as the No. 1 seed in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll, the conference announced Friday afternoon.

The Raiders earned 186 points, including seven first-place votes. Rivier ended its 2025 campaign with a record of 14-5-2 (11-1-1 GNAC), advancing to the GNAC Championship game for the first time in program history. On their way to the title match, the Raiders defeated No. 7 Saint Joseph (Conn.), 3-0, before beating No. 3 Lasell, 1-0, in the semifinals.

Returning to the pitch for Rivier this season are three All-Conference honorees, Leah Morrier, Nadia Laxa, and Hayleigh Young. Morrier was named the GNAC Offensive Player of the Year and to the New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) All-New England First Team following her 38-point season (16-6-38). Laxa and Young were key components of the Raiders' defense, which held conference opponents to just 10 goals and recorded six shutouts.

Following two exhibition games, Rivier will open the regular season with a non-conference match against Endicott. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Hempstead Stadium.

Women's Soccer Preseason Poll

1. Rivier (7) - 186
2. Emmanuel (7) - 184
3. Lasell - 159
4. Albertus Magnus - 155
5. Regis - 136
6. University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) - 114
7. Saint Joseph's (Maine) - 113
8. Norwich - 107
9. Elms - 86
10. Simmons - 63
11. Colby-Sawyer - 60
12. New England College - 43
13. Dean - 42
14. Mitchell - 22