FINDLAY, Ohio -- Point Park women's soccer begins its 2026 campaign on Thursday in a matchup against Findlay at 4 p.m. at F.N.B. Stadium.

The Pioneers, who were picked fourth in the Mountain East Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Poll, return 19 players from a 2025 season in which they qualified for the MEC Tournament. Rebecca Pihlgren, the 2025 MEC Freshman of the Year and First Team All-MEC selection, led Point Park in goals (11) and points (27). Pihlgren ranked second in the MEC in goals and fourth in points last season.

Head Women's Soccer Coach Colin Baker noted that Pihlgren spent the offseason learning how to increase her impact on the game.

"[We spent] a lot of work with [Philgren] technically and tactically on understanding that you don't have to impact the game by scoring every game, but by being you," Baker said. "The best players on the field impact certain moments, but they will be able to execute when it matters most."

In addition to Pihlgren, Paula Sole finished third on the team in goals (five) and points (10) last season and led the team with six assists. Sole tied for third in the MEC in assists last season. Point Park will return six players who played in over 10 matches in 2025: Austyn Burkett (19 matches played), Rebecca Pihlgren (18), Maria Gomez (18), Maria Fusillo (18), Isabelle Meier (16) and Paula Sole (15).

Despite a large number of new players, Baker believes the veteran returners have been able to help establish a culture for the squad.

"Our returners have done a fantastic job of painting the picture of what this program is about and where the program wants to go," he said, "we brought in the best people who will help us achieve what we want to achieve.

"Last year was fun, but I told the group this year to take the fun and experience from last year and do it all again this year," Baker continued. "We take it one day at a time, enjoy each other's company and the work we put in, and we take it one day at a time."

Point Park will remain on the road to face Ashland on Saturday before opening the home portion of the schedule against Wheeling on Sunday, Sept. 6, in MEC play at F.N.B. Stadium at 1 p.m.