HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College women's soccer team announced their 2026 schedule on Monday. 

The Pilgrims will play a preseason exhibition game against Lesley on August 26th, before opening their season at home against VTSU-Castleton at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 4th.  

The team opens the season with a five-game homestand, following their opener against the Spartans with a game against UMaine-Presque Isle on September 5th, VTSU-Lyndon on September 9th, their GNAC opener against Saint Joseph (CT) on Saturday, September 12th, and UMaine-Farmington on the 13th. 

Their first road contest doesn't come until Tuesday, September 15th, against Massachusetts Maritime Academy, followed by a GNAC game at Dean on September 19th. They return home to face Regis on September 22nd before hitting the road to Lasell on September 26th. Non-conference play is officially wrapped up on September 28th with a home matchup versus Nichols.  

NEC visits Rivier on September 30th before hosting Simmons on October 3rd. They make the short trip to Colby-Sawyer on October 7th, followed by a longer journey south to Albertus Magnus on October 10th.  

The 'Grims host Norwich on October 14th before visiting Mitchell on October 17th. They then play their final two home games against Elms on October 20th and the reigning GNAC champions Emmanuel on October 24th. The regular season comes to a close on Wednesday, October 28th as the Pilgrims head to Standish, Maine to face St. Joseph's (ME). 

The opening round of the GNAC tournament is set to be played on Saturday, October 31st, followed by the semifinals on Wednesday, November 4th. The championship tilt will be played on Saturday, November 7th, hosted by the higher seed. 

The Pilgrim's full schedule can be found here. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.