LATHAM, N.Y. – Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team, the two-time defending conference champion, shares the top spot in the United East Preseason Coaches' Poll.


After winning the conference title for the second year in a row and making a run to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 last fall, the Lions share the pole position with St. Mary's (Md.), with both programs receiving six of 12 possible first-place votes.


Returning to lead the way this season are six former United Soccer Coaches All-Region players in Abigail Frew, Julia Hughes, Mackenzie Mowery, Sydney Mulka, Ava Myers, and Kylie Yap, while United East All-Conference performers Olivia Sgrignioli and Alexis Valenta are also back for the 2026 campaign.


Penn College ranked third in the preseason poll, while Penn State Berks and Lancaster Bible rounded out the top five in a tie for fourth place.


Penn State Harrisburg faces one of the country's toughest schedules this year as the slate includes fellow preseason nationally-ranked programs in No. 5 Messiah and No. 15 Johns Hopkins, as well as perennial contenders the likes of TCNJ, Stevens, Cortland, and Franklin & Marshall.


The Lions open the 2026 season by hosting No. 5 Messiah for a primetime showdown between two nationally-ranked programs on Tuesday night, Sept. 1.


Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.