GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davenport University women's soccer is days out from opening the season this weekend with two matchups against Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) opponents.

DU capitalized on the coaching and player transitions in 2023, posting one of the program's best seasons since becoming a GLIAC member - recording the third-most wins since the 2017 merger and the most victories since 2019 in a single season. The team finished 5-7-6 overall (2-6-6 GLIAC) as late-season struggles resulted in the team falling out of title contention after a GLIAC Tournament quarterfinals loss to Grand Valley State (1-0). However, historical moments were made throughout conference play, including first-time draws, season sweeps, and most goals scored against a lone opponent in a season series.

Major returns for the Panthers include Haley Diekevers (Second Team All-GLIAC), Gabby Scholten (Honorable Mention All-GLIAC), Madison Fant, Arianna Diemer, and Izabelle Olsson. Diekevers (seven goals, four assists) and Fant (five goals, two assists) were the team's leading scorers a season ago, with Olsson, Scholten, and Diemer serving as catalysts for DU's defensive third. With 32 players on the active roster, five true freshmen and six transfers add to the mix of 21 returns. Of the 32 players, Bailey Gauthier and Elizabeth Wolter will be the goalkeeper options.

With Sept. 6 approaching rapidly, DU will look to create momentum in the season's early portions to carry into league play.

Truman St. Matchup
Entering his 32nd year, head coach Mike Cannon welcomes 15 upperclassmen, including the 2023 top scorers Emma Thompson and Olivia Morris. The pair combined for five goals and six assists a season ago. Goalkeeper Tatumn Damron is another major return for the team, as the upcoming senior posted seven shutouts with 101 saves (1.00 goals-against average) last year.

Truman St. was selected at No. 9 in the 2024 GLVC Preseason Poll after posting a 4-8-5 record (3-6-3 GLVC) last year and missing the conference tournament by one place. The team also received the 2023 GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award.

Losing 2-0 on the road to the Panthers last year, Truman St. leads the all-time series 3-2 overall.

Quincy Matchup
A monstrous 5-0 shutout by DU last year leveled the historical series at 2-2-1 against Quincy with each side aiming for its third win in the historical series this weekend.

The Hawks are pinned at No. 9 in the conference preseason poll after a 4-10-3 record (4-7-2) in 2023 and missing the GLVC Tournament.

Quincy also retained starters leaned on last year, including goalkeeper Julia Mincher, Ella Wolfard, and Lisa Albarran. Wolfard was the top scorer with seven goals on 43 shot attempts, with Albarran tallying three goals and a team-high five assists. Mincher started and played in 10 of the team's 13 matches, allowing 33 goals while making 69 saves.

Live Coverage
Friday, Sept. 6 at Truman St. (3:30 PM EST) - Live Video (GLVC Network) - Live Stats
Sunday, Sept. 8 at Quincy (3:30 PM EST) - Live Video (GLVC Network) - Live Stats