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BUIES CREEK, N.C. – The Fighting Camels open the 2026 campaign with a matchup against the Jacksonville Dolphins this Saturday afternoon at Rock Stadium. The contest will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Game Coverage
Campbell (0-0) at Jacksonville (0-0)
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 12:00
Jacksonville, Fla. | Rock Stadium
Watch (ESPN+)
Live Stats
The Camels are returning multiple starters along the defensive line, anchored by Preseason All-CAA Honorable Mention Hailey Kohlmann. A 2026 captain, Kohlmann led the Camels with 37 ground balls and was fifth in the conference in ground balls per game.
Joining her are Kendall Wilson and Claire Witt, who started every game last year. Brooke Cressy, who led the team in caused turnovers, and Carson Shoop also return to provide experience among the defensive squad.
Delaney Nicolaus captains the midfield. She was fifth on the team in goals last season with 13 and added two assists. Returning alongside Nicolaus are Drew Watkins and Bridget Ahlgren. The unit welcomes three newcomers who will look to shore up the middle of the field. Fifth-year transfer Victoria Direnno and freshmen Adella Norton and Kayla Richter will look to provide support.
McKenna Duncan is the top returning goal scorer (16) and captains the attack after the departure of Rasa Welsh and Sam Bischoff, who combined for 47% of Campbell’s goalscoring last season. Bischoff now coaches the Campbell attack, and she and Duncan will look to Paige White and Caroline Laur, in addition to freshmen Emma Jankowiak and Hanna Russell, to bolster the Campbell attack.
In goal, Alana Lepore and Helen Bartman return with starting experience between the pipes. Lepore started 11 games for the Camels, and Bartman recorded a .434 save percentage in four appearances. They’re joined in the goalkeeper room by freshman Adria Welsh, Rasa’s younger sister. She recorded over 300 saves in each of her four high school seasons.
Series History
The teams have faced off one time, back in 2016, a 17-7 victory for the Dolphins.
Scouting the Opponents
Jacksonville is also returning lots of experience throughout its defense. Senior Maggie Cuddy was selected as the Atlantic Sun Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, and Brookelynn Hodgin was named the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.
Ainsley Scruggs, Abby Moran and Allyx Berry were also named to the preseason All-ASUN team.
Coach Tara Singleton is entering her fourth season leading the Dolphins and is a two-time ASUN Coach of the Year honoree.
Head Coach Dawn Easley
Coach Easley begins her 13th season at the helm for Campbell. She owns a record of 86-113 at Buies Creek and a 144-144 overall record.
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