SEASIDE, Calif. — Cal State Monterey Bay women's soccer kicks off its 2026 season Friday night when the Otters welcome Western Washington to Cardinale Stadium for a 7 p.m. showdown.
 
Head Coach Laura VanWart's squad enters the new campaign looking to build on continuity and seasoned veteran leaders.
 
"Our team is strong and gritty this year," CSUMB head coach Laura VanWart said. "We are returning 25 players from spring and have hit the ground running this preseason. The team performed well in both of our scrimmages and we couldn't be more excited to open at home against one of the country's best programs. We love the challenge and we have worked hard to prepare both physically and mentally to compete with the best."
 
Defense was a strength for the Otters last fall. CSUMB surrendered one goal or fewer in 11 matches and posted five shutouts. The Otters closed the campaign on a high note with a 2-0 road shutout of San Francisco State.
 
One of the biggest pieces returning to the Monterey Bay attack is forward Juliana Dow. Dow made an immediate impact during her first season on the pitch, leading CSUMB with four goals, two assists and 10 points. She saved one of her best performances for the season finale, scoring both goals in the Otters' 2-0 victory at San Francisco State.
 
Junior forward Miye Kodama also returns after scoring twice in 14 appearances last season. Kodama found the net in victories over Fresno Pacific and UC Merced and put six of her 12 shots on target.
 
Monterey Bay will look to its returning players to maintain the defensive identity that kept the Otters competitive throughout 2025.
 
Goalkeeper Willow Baltazar gained valuable experience as a freshman last season, finishing with 44 saves while splitting time in goal. Baltazar showed her ability against elite competition in her first year at the collegiate ranks.
 
Experience should be one of Monterey Bay's greatest assets in 2026, particularly on the defensive end of the field. In all, 18 student-athletes return to the fold after logging valuable minutes a year ago.
 
Senior defender Jada Hardwick headlines a veteran group that will be counted on to set the tone for the Otters. The Clovis native returns as one of the team's most experienced defenders and gives CSUMB a proven presence along the back line.
 
She won't be alone. Senior defenders Jordan Sawyer and Annabelle Price return alongside Hardwick, while fifth-year defender Bailey Rozier adds another veteran presence to an experienced defensive unit.
 
That veteran leadership extends into the midfield and attack as well. Kamryn Bubak returns for her senior season in the midfield, while Jadynn King provides senior experience up front. Senior midfielder Ariana Chisteckoff, who previously played at North Dakota, adds another experienced option to the group.
 
Naomi Tobias, Gianna Foss, Ella Schug and Chloe Van Winkle also logged valuable minutes a season ago.
 
With several experienced players returning throughout the lineup, the Otters will look to turn last season's close matches into results as they pursue a return to the CCAA postseason.
 
The Otters won't have to travel far to begin their season. CSUMB opens the campaign with four consecutive matches at Cardinale Stadium, beginning Friday against Western Washington. The Otters then host Hawai'i Pacific Sunday at 11 a.m., Chaminade Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m., and Jessup Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. The Jessup match will also serve as Senior Day.
 
The season opener provides an immediate opportunity for CSUMB to measure its progress. Western Washington defeated the Otters 4-1 in Bellingham last September.
 
The 2026 schedule features 17 regular-season matches, including 11 at Cardinale Stadium, giving the Otters an extended opportunity to take advantage of their home field.
 
The slate includes road dates at Stanislaus State, Cal State San Marcos, Cal Poly Pomona, UC Merced, Cal State San Bernardino and Menlo. Home contests later in the season include San Francisco State, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Chico State, Fresno Pacific, Cal Poly Humboldt and Cal State East Bay.
 
The first step comes Friday night under the lights at Cardinale Stadium as the Otters begin their pursuit of a return to the postseason. Kickoff against Western Washington is scheduled for 7 p.m.