HAMILTON - The Raiders will begin the 2026 season on the west coast with a pair of games in California. The season begins against Pepperdine on Thursday, Aug. 13 with kickoff set for 3 p.m. PST / 6 p.m. EST.

"As we have in the past, this year we've taken on a very challenging non-conference schedule to prepare us for Patriot League play," Coach Lyndse Hokanson added. "It's no surprise that the girls are very excited for a trip out to California. We are fortunate to get to play two very quality sides and get the chance to take our west coast players closer to home. Our entire non-conference slate will be challenging game after challenging game, with many teams coming off of NCAA tournament appearances last season. We look a little different than last year with some graduating departures, so I look forward to seeing how our group responds to the inevitable highs and lows that these matches will present."

"Ultimately, the goal is to be learning, growing, and playing our best soccer by the time September rolls around and we open PL play with Lafayette at home. The league is sure to be as competitive as ever, and we are up for the challenge ahead!"

In the Patriot League Preseason Poll, Colgate was voted to finish third, its highest preseason poll position since 2021.

Colgate returns six starters from last season's team that finished 9-6-4 including a 6-2-1 Patriot League record that saw the Raiders host their first Patriot League semifinal since 2018.

This will be the first time the Raiders have started the season outside of New York since 2022 when they began the season against Providence.

RETURNING TALENT

Senior goalkeeper Ella Poppinga returns between the pipes for Colgate. The netminder earned Preseason Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year after securing a Third Team All-Patriot League selection in 2025. The senior played in all 19 games, recorded 82 saves, and kept four clean sheets last season.

Forward Josie Tunney also earned a spot on the Preseason All-Patriot League team after earning a Second Team All-Patriot League selection along with a spot on the Patriot League All-Tournament Team last season. The junior scored six goals and added two assists last season including a run of four goals in three games in conference play.

Sophomores Lydia Thornton and Molly Richards return for their second season in the maroon-and-white. Thornton led all first-years last season with three goals and one assist in 2025 while Richards led the newcomers in minutes played with 1,483 last season.

NEWCOMERS

Colgate added seven talented first-years to the roster for the 2026 season. The new additions include one forward, two midfielders, and four defenders to the current roster. The incoming class hail from six different states and provinces including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and British Columbia.

SCHEDULE OUTLOOK

The Raiders are slated for an 18 game schedule this upcoming season with nine taking place at Beyer-Small '76 Field. After returning from California, they take on Marist Aug. 20 before the home opener against Canisius on Aug. 27, the first of a three-game homestand. Colgate takes on Maine (Aug. 30) and Cornell (Sept. 3) before trips to George Washington (Sept. 6) and Princeton (Sept. 10). The Raiders conclude non-conference play at home against Dartmouth on Sept. 13.

Colgate opens up the Patriot League matches at home against Lafayette on Sept. 19 before heading to Navy (Sept. 26) and Holy Cross (Sept. 30). A Patriot League semi final rematch against Army is set for Oct. 3 at Beyer-Small ahead of a road game against American on Oct. 10. The final stretch of the regular season sees the Raiders finish with three of the final four contests at home against Loyola (Oct. 17), Lehigh (Oct. 24), and Boston U. (Nov. 4) with the lone road game against Bucknell on Halloween.

On every field and in every arena, Colgate Athletics believes in and delivers a true Division I student-athlete experience. Our coaches recruit students of high intellectual promise who are elite competitors in their sports, and — thanks to loyal and generous alumni, families, and fans like you — Colgate supports high-level academic services, athletic training, travel, health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, career development, and more.

Make a gift today to support the season ahead. Your generosity helps Colgate develop champions on the field, in the classroom, and in life.