Loretto, Pa – The Saint Francis women's soccer team opens the 2021 season in just nine days. The Red Flash is using every bit of the preseason to prepare them for Northeast Conference play.  On Tuesday, the NEC released its Preseason Coaches' Poll.  Saint Francis was picked to finish first and received one first place vote.

Saint Francis did not compete last season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  Head Coach Ellie Davis will lean on several veterans to guide a talented young squad.
 
"Our team has been doing well in preseason getting to know each other on and off the field,' said Davis.  "We know that we have more to do than most teams since we have only played five exhibition games in over a year and a half." 
 
The non-conference schedule includes matches at Clemson, Pitt, and West Virginia. This tough slate will have the team ready to play the important NEC schedule which opens September 19 at Fairleigh Dickinson.
 
"We have learned a lot about the team in training and know the exhibition games will help us as well to get back into a competitive mindset," said Davis.  "We look forward to an exciting season!"
 
The Red Flash opens the season at Clemson on August 19 at 7 p.m. while the home opener is against Akron on August 26 at 2 p.m. at Stokes SoccerPlex.

View the full 2021 schedule HERE.