Women's Soccer | 8/5/2025 12:00:00 PM

Saint Francis women's soccer has been picked seventh in the Northeast Conference (NEC) Preseason Poll.

Howard, the defending NEC Tournament Champions, picked up seven of the 12 first-place votes to garner preseason favorite honors. FDU earned four votes for second and Wagner earned the final vote to rank third in the poll. CCSU, Stonehill, LIU, Saint Francis, Mercyhurst, Le Moyne, New Haven, Chicago State and Delaware State rounded out the poll. 

Raine Korpics returns for her final year as the team's top returning scorer after posting three goals and an assist for seven points. Mercedez Paino also registered two goals for four points last season. Emma Sawich returns in between the pipes after posting 98 saves, a 1.24 goals against average, and a .824 saves percentage that was tops in the NEC in 2024.

The Red Flash, who will travel to Argentina for a 10-day training trip, will play an exhibition against Boca Juniors on Wednesday and against Racing on August 12. Saint Francis opens the second season under Brian Diaz at Maryland on August 17. The team will make its 2025 Stokes SoccerPlex debut against Bucknell on September 4. 

Saint Francis is recognizing all of its NEC Champions at the Red Flash football home opener against Delaware State on September 20. The Red Flash women's soccer team won NEC Championships in 20110, 2013, 2016, and 2017. Members of those teams receive a free t-shirt, tickets, and in-game recognition. RSVP to Margie McHenry (mmchenry@francis.edu/814.472.3286) by August 18.