RIVERSIDE--- The Lancers are set to face the Highlanders of the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Thursday night at 7 PM in the CBU Soccer Stadium as their 2023 home opener. Head coach Kristen St. Clair's squad is coming off a 4-1 victory over UCR last week and have started their 2023 campaign 1-0.

THE LANCERS AT A GLANCE
After returning 23 Lancers and welcoming 11 newcomers, CBU women's soccer is stacked and ready for the year. St. Clair's team picked up their first win of the year by a lofty three goals and will look to continue their winning ways on the home front at the CBU Soccer Stadium.

Frida Murrieta came off the bench against UC Riverside last Thursday and netted two goals in the Crosstown Showdown. The senior currently leads the WAC in points per game, as well as goals per game. Natalia Castro also scored against the Highlanders, her first CBU career goal, while Lourdes Bosch cleaned up the match with a perfectly placed free kick for a 4-1 dub.

Bosch was nationally recognized last week by the United Soccer Coaches as she was named an NCAA Division I Player to Watch in the midfield and was also selected to the Preseason All-WAC team. Noa Schumacher also returns to the squad and was named the WAC Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year.

MATCH INFORMATION
Opponent: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Date and Time: Thursday, August 24^th (7:00 PM PST)
Location: Riverside, CA (CBU Soccer Stadium)
Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: StatBroadcast

MATCH NOTES
This match-up marks the first time the Lancers will face the NJIT Highlanders. While the squads lack common opponents this season, they both played Bryant University during the 2022 season with victories on both sides. The Lancers downed the Bulldogs 4-1 during the preseason of last year, while the Highlanders faced them in the America East Conference and managed a 3-2 win to secure a berth to the postseason.

THE HIGHLANDERS AT A GLANCE
After starting their year with a nil-nil tie against Mount St. Mary's, the Highlanders produced a record-breaking performance against Saint Peter's and improved their record to 1-0-1. NJIT bested the Peacocks 7-0 last Sunday, led by Gabby Zalot, who finished with two goals and two assists to set the NJIT Division I record for points in a game (6). Zalot was named America East Offensive Player of the Week for her efforts against Saint Peter's, helping her team tie the program's record for goals in a single game.

The Highlanders boast 21 returners and eight newcomers, including 2022 America East All-Championship selection Ciara Adams. Bailey Chant also returns to the squad as a starter this season and will be looking to hold the title of leading goal scorer for a second year.

Lancer soccer tickets are on sale now HERE for all games at CBU Soccer Stadium.