HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University women's soccer team will host Louisiana-Lafayette in its 2026 season opener Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium before traveling to face Louisiana Tech on the road Sunday at 5 p.m.

The Lions will look to start off strong in the opening week of their nonconference schedule against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns. Southeastern will face two in-state foes as Louisiana-Lafayette last made the trip to Hammond, America in 2017 while its last matchup against Louisiana Tech resulted in a 2-1 upset victory in Ruston, La. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be accessible on the women's soccer schedule page at www.LionSports.net.

SLU returned 18 letter winners from last season's roster that finished 6-8-4 overall and 5-3-2 in Southland Conference play. The Lions' roster also features nine talented newcomers, including five transfers and four freshmen, as fifth-year head coach Nathan Gillespie enters the 2026 season with high anticipation.

Southeastern is also returning one of the Southland's top save leaders last season in senior goalkeeper Kendall Curran. The Brentwood, Tenn. native started all 18 matches in the net in 2025 to close out with 94 saves. Last season's leading strikers Alexandra Knight and Aja Nelson also return to the pitch for their sophomore campaign, combining for seven goals. 

Louisiana-Lafayette finished 7-6-5 overall and 4-3-3 in the Sunbelt Conference in 2025 with a first round appearance in the Sunbelt Conference Championships. The Ragin' Cajuns were led by returners Glenn Carson and Miku Kurihara, each with seven goals last season. Senior Natalie Mayes also returns in the net for Louisiana-Lafayette after securing 57 saves in the 2025 season.

The Lions will close out opening week against Louisiana Tech on their fourth trek to Ruston, La. in program history. The Techsters ended last season 4-13-2 overall and 3-4-1 in Conference USA. Louisiana Tech returns leading scorer Peyton Wiseman, recording two goals in the net last season. The Techsters will seek to defend their home field throughout their three-match home stretch with several added newcomers. 

Concluding Sunday's match, Southeastern will return home for its two-match home stretch against Troy Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. and Spring Hill Sunday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. Both matches will be televised on ESPN+.

SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB

Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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