MUNCIE, Ind. - The IU Indianapolis will officially kick off the 2026 campaign on Wednesday (Aug. 12) when the Jaguars head north to face Ball State at 4:00 p.m. at Briner Sports Complex. The Jaguars enter year two under head coach Angela Berry White and return seven starters from a season ago. 

Fourteen of the team's 19 goals from last season return, keyed by junior Keilah Muldrow's team-high eight points, despite missing time due to injury. Muldrow was limited to just 13 games and four starts, but contributed a team-high three goals on just 12 shot attempts. Both Lindsey Castillo and Anika Guenther each scored a pair of goals last season while senior forward Caroline Kelley tied for the team-high with four assists a season ago. 

Twelve different returners started at least one match for the Jaguars last season and 12 different returners had at least one point in 2025. 

QUOTABLE
"We're going to concentrate on being a very attacking minded team," White said. "We're going to try and put up goals. You can't win unless you can score. We're going to be attacking minded, we're going to get after it and it's going to be a battle every single day."

PRESEASON POLLS
The Jaguars were picked to finish eighth in the Horizon League polls, released by the league office on Monday, Aug. 10. 
 
RETURNING STARTERS
Lindsey Castillo - lone returner to have started all 18 matches last season; totaled two goals and an assist; ranked fourth on the team in minutes played (1,379)
Caroline Kelley - started 17 matches last season; led the team with 53 shot attempts and 24 shots on goal; tied for the team high with four assists
Lilly Ma - started 17 times in the defensive third; had a goal and two assists from her defensive spot
Shannon Phillips - started 16 times as a true freshman, splitting time in the midfield and defensive third; had one goal in her rookie season
Bethany Hartigan - made 14 starts a season ago; one of nine players on the team to amass at least 1,000 minutes
Katie Hoog - made 11 starts and 16 appearances last season; one of nine players on the team to amass at least 1,000 minutes
Hannah Roberson - versatile veteran made 10 starts in 18 appearances last season; totaled a goal and an assist 

KEY NEWCOMERS
The Jaguars welcome nine newcomers (five transfers and four freshmen) to the roster this season with all expected to contribute this season. The goalkeeping duo of Isabel Oferosky (North Dakota-transfer) and Sofia Rodriguez (Morehead State-transfer) will both challenge for the starting job while Annaliese Black (Mercyhurst-transfer) and Megan Swift (Chicago State-transfer) will contribute to the Jaguar attack. Rookie midfielder Addison Stover headlines the freshman class while local standout Taylor Townley is likely to find a role in the defensive third. 

KNOW YOUR FOE
Ball State went 10-7-3 a season ago, but just 2-4-2 on their home turf. Gone are top scorers Addie Chester (11 goals, 5 assists) and Emily Roper (3 goals, 3 assists) from a season ago, but fifth-year Delaney Ahearn and sophomore Jordyn Klaasen are tops among the returners in minutes played. The Cardinals also return starting goalkeeper Kate Pallante, who registered a 6-5-1 record with 0.96 goals against average last year.  

SERIES HISTORY
IU Indy is just 3-7-2 all-time against Ball State and 1-3-1 in five matches in Muncie. Ball State won the meeting last year in Indianapolis, 1-0, on Aug. 31. The Jaguars last win in the series came in 2017 when IU Indy held serve in a 1-0 home win. 

UP NEXT
The Jaguars will continue a stretch of three straight road matches to open the season when they take on Louisville on Sunday (Aug. 16) at 7:00 p.m.