CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) released the women's soccer preseason coaches' poll for the upcoming 2025 season on Tuesday. The Spartans look to continue their eight-year streak of top five finishes in the A-R-C as they were picked to finish fourth in the conference by the leagues' head coaches.
Under the leadership of head coach Jason Berna, the Spartans achieved a 9-5-4 record (4-3-1 A-R-C) during the 2024 season. The Spartans will return three all-conference players for the 2025 season, as well as three of the Spartans' top five scorers. Midfielder Alyssa Tranchita returns for her senior season looking to follow up from a strong junior performance that featured 17 points, six goals, and five assists. Three-time first team all-conference defender Virginia Speltz returns for her fifth season fresh off the heels of an astounding season in which she was named Scholar All-North/Central Region second team and All Region IX second team by the United Soccer Coaches. All-conference honorable mention goalkeeper Karissa Cruz also returns for her junior season after posting the second-best goals against average in the A-R-C a season ago.
Senior Riley Trudeau and junior midfielder Taryn Richey return to secure the midfield for the Spartans this year. Assisting on defense is returning sophomore Amanda Pisciotta. Leading the attack will be junior forward Kaelyn Nash after posting a career high in points last season.
"The A-R-C has been super competitive league in the region and nationally – this year will be no exception," said head coach Jason Berna. "Expect several teams to compete for the A-R-C title this year!!" Berna enters his 25th season as the Spartans head coach.
The Spartans kick off the 2025 campaign at Oyen Field against Grinnell College on August 29. Following opening night, the Spartans will travel for a duet of road games against Carroll University (Sept. 2, 7:00 p.m.) and Concordia University Chicago (Sept. 5, 3:00 p.m.). The Spartans return home on September 7 against Dominican University with a 1:00 p.m. kickoff. The third annual 151 Derby will return home this season, as the Spartans look to retain a winning record in the series against UW-Oshkosh (Sept. 20, 3:00 p.m.).
The Spartans will begin the 2025 A-R-C slate on September 27 in Pella, facing the Dutch at 12:30 p.m. The Spartans will host Luther College during Homecoming weekend (Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m.) before hosting (RV) Simpson College in a key A-R-C contest (Oct. 14, 5:00 p.m.). The annual crosstown rivalry against No. 9 Loras will be played at the Rock Bowl this season on October 22, with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. The women will conclude their home regular season by inviting Coe College to the pitch for a Senior Day match-up (October 25, 1:00 p.m.).
The American Rivers Conference women's soccer tournament will be played Saturday, November 1 (First Round), Wednesday, November 5 (Semifinals), before the championship game on Saturday, November 8, with all games being hosted at the higher seed. The tournament champion will receive an automatic berth to the 2025 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Tournament.
Check out all the latest news, information, and updates from women's soccer via the University of Dubuque Athletics website at https://udspartans.com/sports/womens-soccer
