RENO, Nev. — Nevada Women's Soccer opened its 2026 preseason with a strong showing Sunday afternoon, earning a 2–0 exhibition win over UC Merced.

The first half featured steady back‑and‑forth play. Nevada broke through late in the half when Avery Hayes scored her first goal in a Wolf Pack uniform, giving the Pack a 1–0 advantage heading into halftime.

Nevada carried that momentum into the second half, tightening its possession and adding consistent pressure in the attacking third. Saige McCusker extended the lead midway through the half, finishing an opportunity to secure the Pack's 2–0 result and its first win of the season.

Nevada will now travel to Stockton to face Pacific on Thursday before returning home for a Sunday matchup against Sacramento State.