ALVA, Okla. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State soccer team opens the 2026 season on Thursday night against Newman, as the Rangers look to improve after a 10-win campaign last season.

The Rangers return seven starters from last year, including sophomore defender and midfielder Kamalei Kealoha, who was the first Northwestern freshman named to the All-GAC first team in over four years. Senior Elie Dang also provides experience for the Rangers, as the second team All-GAC defender has played in 52 games through her career.

Junior goalkeeper Taylor Annen will play an important role for the Rangers, as she recorded eight shutouts and 100 saves last season, putting her in third for most shutouts in a single season. Annen also broke a Northwestern record last season for the lowest goals against average in program history, as she only gave up one goal per game. Senior midfielder Jenna Mills will help provide a spark on offense, as the midfielder recorded two goals and led the Rangers in assists last season with four.

Northwestern received fourth place in the GAC preseason poll, with defending champion Harding being crowned the preseason favorite by one point over Southwestern.

After opening the season with Newman, the Rangers will stay at home to take on Rogers State on Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. before taking road trips to Missouri and New Mexico for games against William Jewell and New Mexico Highlands.

Conference play starts on Sept. 16, when Northwestern hosts Southern Nazarene at 6 p.m., with Southwestern making the trip to Alva on Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. for homecoming, and Harding arriving on Oct. 24 at 11 a.m.

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