RICHMOND, Va. – VCU women's soccer played host to an exciting matchup in front of a packed Sports Backers Stadium on Saturday, opening its 2025 campaign with a preseason exhibition game against the USL Super League's Power FC.
 
More than just a first look at this year's squad, the match served as a homecoming for Rams alumni on VCU and Power FC alike.
 
The Rams took the pitch for the first time under first-year head coach Lauryn Hutchinson, a VCU women's soccer alumnae, and assistant coaches Matt Freibaum and Mario Sequeira Quesada, each making their own returns to the university. Each in their first year back at VCU, the trio was welcomed back to the field for the first time as coaches in Black and Gold.
 
Three familiar faces returned to Sports with Power FC, representing VCU among the professional ranks. Susanna Fitch, Anna Bagley and Carleigh Frilles were honored prior to the match, celebrating their professional accomplishments and their impact on Rams soccer. Fans enjoyed post-game autographs with the returners.
 
The crowd erupted when freshman Isabelle Franklin got the Rams on the board, while Mia Pongratz and Lilly Heit combined to make 11 saves in the net for VCU. Kendyl Sarver, 2022 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, made her highly-anticipated return from injury, as well.
 
VCU opens its regular season at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, at Sports Backers against Elon, kicking off its 2025 campaign at home. Tickets are available to purchase here.