PITMAN, N.J. - The TCNJ women's soccer team was picked to finish third in the NJAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, as released by the league office this morning.
 
Rowan and Montclair State split the conference's 10 first-place votes to claim the top two spots, with the Lions and Stockton – also tabbed the NJAC's dark horse – rounding out the top four. Kean and Rutgers-Camden finished fifth and sixth in the poll respectively, followed by newcomer SUNY New Paltz, Rutgers-Newark, Ramapo and William Paterson.
 
TCNJ returns the majority of its Starting XI from a season ago, headlined by First Team All-Conference and All-Region selection Alyssa Alfano. The senior captain, who paced the Lions in goals (10), assists (7) and points (27) a season ago, is joined on the offensive end by All-Region honoree Maggie Murphy (4G, 4A) and Emily Weidner (5G, 1 A) to form a potent attacking trio.
 
Defensively, All-NJAC Second Teamers Caroline Freer and Isabella Charles will look to control the middle of the pitch, with Ellen Williams back between the posts following a strong sophomore campaign.
 
Entering his fourth season in charge of the Lions, head coach Danny Blank is eager to see how his side develops as the season progresses.
 
"We had a very productive spring, so hopefully some of that carries over," Blank said. "We have a lot of new faces so it's going to take some time for us to hit our stride. Hopefully we can make a competitive run in the NJAC."
 
TCNJ opens its 2026 season Tuesday, Sept. 1 with a match against Ursinus. The Lions will then face the first of three nationally-ranked opponents in 23rd-ranked Penn State Harrisburg, before opening up their home slate Wednesday, Sept. 9 against Arcadia. TCNJ will kick off NJAC play  Wednesday, Sept. 30 with a highly-anticipated game against 18th-ranked Rowan.