When pre-season spirits are high, an opening game win is sure to help maintain the momentum - even if that win comes opposite an opponent who went 2-8-2 last year.

Given that the Laurentian Voyageurs women's soccer team were one of only two teams to finish behind the RMC (Royal Military College) Paladins last year, however, a 4-0 whitewash at home to kickoff the 2026 campaign was not to be taken for granted.

A four year veteran with the Vees, local product Sophia Oommen opened the scoring just over six minutes in - and was followed in relatively rapid succession by strikes from Charlie Capper (14th minute) and Taylor Rombout (26th), with Kynlee Cresswell capping things off with the only goal of the second half.

Voyageurs' keeper Noémie Bouchard registered the shutout as the Laurentian girls managed to equal the victory total from their 1-10-1 season in 2025, gifting new head coach Emily Porteous a very memorable first game in the role.

"I think the biggest difference, I would say, was just the excitement within the group," said Oommen, a graduate of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, comparing the start of 2026 to previous years.

"I've never seen this group so eager to play and believing that we can win. I think the new coach has brought in a new drive, a new energy. There's just a different mindset with the team."

That aura of positivity is sure to be tested at various stages this fall, beginning with the team's first games away from home this weekend, facing the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee Gees, a pair of foes who both hit the eight-win mark twelve months ago.

Still, if they can hold tight to their system, who knows what the future might bring for the Voyageurs.

"I think I was most impressed with how well we played together as a team," said Oommen. "We were creating a lot of chances and really came out strong. We were able to set the tone pretty early."

"It was a complete team performance - everybody contributed to that win."

Netting the second goal of her OUA career, Oommen made a run from her wingback position, set up nicely by teammate Charlie Capper. "I haven't watched it back, just yet, but I got a good through ball," said the 21 year-old Health Promotion major.

"It was kind of a one v one with the keeper and all of a sudden, I saw an open net and shot it in."

Both the Laurentian men and women are back at home on Saturday September 12th, taking to the pitch for their northern rivalry outing against the Nipissing Lakers.