Newport News, VA - The Regent University Women's Soccer team concluded its 2026 season Wednesday evening in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) Tournament Quarterfinals, falling to UC Santa Cruz, 6-0. Despite the loss, the Royals finished a season that saw records broken, along with numerous individual accomplishments, five wins and a conference tournament appearance. The tournament appearance represented an important accomplishment for a program continuing to establish itself at the NCAA Division III level.
Senior Kristen Miller (Peoria, AZ) delivered an strong performance for Regent, recording 16 saves while facing consistent offensive pressure. Miller turned away nine shots in the opening half and added seven more after halftime. Defensively, Junior Serenity Cortez (Fresno, CA), Audrey Bailey (Powhatan, VA), Finley Hunter (Virginia Beach, VA) and Ava Reyes (Nokesville, VA) worked to contain the Banana Slugs attack, while Senior Sierra Smullen (Snow Hill, MD) and Junior Faith Perez (Bakersfield, CA) provided leadership in the midfield, playing all 90 minutes. Freshman Lauren Pond (Midlothian, VA) led the Royals' offensive efforts, recording both of the team's shots in the second half. Pond put an attempt on target in the 81st minute before creating another opportunity just two minutes later.
Regent will graduate four seniors who have laid the foundation for a program that has been successful in its transition to the NCAA. Miller, Smullen, Senior Anna Teague (Salisbury, NC) and Senior Rhyan Primmer (Stafford, VA) helped guide the Royals through a competitive schedule and into postseason play. Their experience and leadership will now be passed down to the junior class, which will lead the program into a new era as the new athletic facilities are set to be ready for next season.
