The Mount St. Joseph University women's soccer team wrapped up its HCAC regular season campaign on Wednesday with a victory over Bluffton, securing its third consecutive HCAC regular season title! The Lions now hold an overall 11-3-2 record, including an impressive 8-1 mark in conference play. It is the first time MSJ Women's Soccer has won 3 straight league championships and the first HCAC 3-peat since 2015.
The Lions continue to demonstrate growth as a program, and their 2026 campaign is shaping up to be one of their best yet! Much of their success can be attributed to a strong senior class that has accumulated more than 17,000 combined minutes. As a team, the Lions have scored 44 goals (Current Top 60 in the Nation) this season, averaging nearly three per game, while also recording 36 assists. They currently rank first in the HCAC in both categories.
Leading the way offensively is captain
Mary Anhofer, who sits atop the team's statistical leaders. The 2025 Midfielder of the Year ranks first in the HCAC in shots (57), shots on goal (36), goals (17), and points (40). Anhofer also ranks among the conference's top 10 in assists (6) and game-winning goals (2). Anhofer sits 3rd in the nation for goals and 5th in the nation on points which puts her in elite company.
Joining Anhofer among the Lions' offensive standouts is the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year,
Kendal Fox. Fox ranks near the top of the conference in several categories, tallying 51 shots (second), 26 shots on goal (third), three game-winning goals (third), and seven assists (fourth). She has also recorded four goals and 15 points this season. Sophomores
Gabrielle Eagan and
Preslee Rugg have also made significant contributions to the Lions' attack. Eagan has recorded five goals (ninth), four assists (ninth), and 14 points. She has also converted 55.6% of her shots on goal into scores, demonstrating her ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities. The 2025 Newcomer of the Year, Rugg, has added four goals, two assists, and 10 points. She has also tallied 22 shots, including 11 on goal. Throughout the season, the MSJ offense has consistently proven to be one of the conference's most dangerous.
The Lions' success extends beyond their offensive production, as the midfield has controlled the pace of play throughout the season. Junior captain
Rachel Ginn has led the way, playing more than 1,300 minutes while starting all 16 games. She has contributed one goal, three assists, five points, 11 shots, and six shots on goal.
Lindsey Bevak has also been a consistent presence in the midfield, showcasing her grit and determination. She has started all 16 games and played more than 1,000 minutes, recording one goal, three assists, five points, 22 shots, and 13 shots on goal. Newcomer
Macie Starr has made an immediate impact in her first season with the Lions. Like her counterparts Ginn and Bevak, Starr has started all 16 games and played more than 1,000 minutes. She has recorded two goals, two assists, six points, 15 shots, and six shots on goal. Starr has consistently demonstrated her versatility, making an impact on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field.
Defensively, the Lions have been just as impressive. Led by center backs
Sophie Roebel and
Payge Callahan, along with outside backs Lena Schirripa and
Khloe Young, the back line has allowed just 15 goals this season while helping the team record five shutouts. Callahan leads the defensive unit statistically, contributing two goals, one assist, five points, 13 shots, and seven shots on goal. Newcomer center back
Sophie Roebel has also made an immediate impact, starting 15 games and playing more than 1,100 minutes. She has added one assist and three shots on goal while establishing herself as a leader on the back line in her first season as a Lion. Senior Lena Schirripa has started all 16 games and logged more than 1,100 minutes, recording 17 shots and six shots on goal.
Khloe Young has also started all 16 games, playing 1,200 minutes while contributing three assists, three shots, and two shots on goal.
Between the posts, goalkeeper and captain
Megan Kallmeyer has been outstanding for the Lions and continues to set program records as three year starter and two year captain. She has started all 16 games and played approximately 1,400 minutes, posting a 0.85 goals-against average and a 79% save percentage while recording 49 saves. Kallmeyer has delivered several crucial performances throughout the season, providing the Lions with a reliable last line of defense.
In his first season as head coach,
Marc Sabin has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead the program. With 11 wins, two ties, and just three losses, Sabin has positioned the Lions for continued success while building a championship-caliber culture. He has guided MSJ to the No. 1 seed in the HCAC tournament and now looks to secure his first NCAA Tournament appearance as head coach.
With their third consecutive HCAC regular season title, the Lions have earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. MSJ will host the tournament at home on Schueler Field, with every game taking place on its home field. The journey back to the NCAA Tournament begins Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m., when the Lions host the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Rose-Hulman and No. 5 Anderson.
