California Baptist University
Utah Valley
WSOC Preview: CBU Heads to Utah and Washington to Finish Away Schedule
10/16/2024 2:10:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist women's soccer team returns to Utah this week as they begin their last road regular season series against Utah Valley before heading west to Seattle U. The Lancers enter the week with a 3-1 Western Athletic Conference record, sitting in fourth behind GCU, UVU, and Seattle U. Utah Valley sits at the top of the standings with a perfect 4-0 record, while the Redhawks are currently in third with a 3-0-1 record.
THE LANCERS AT A GLANCE
California Baptist is coming off a solid win over Utah Tech last week after hitting the road for the first time this season during WAC play. Taylor Held found the back of the net during the first half off a cross on a set-piece play from Morgan Witz. Mikayla O'Brien would then hold down the goal with five saves to blank the Trailblazers for three critical road points, earning her a WAC Goalkeeper of the Week nod.
The Lancer's defense continues to be one of the best in the conference, limiting opponents' shots, and has yet to allow more than two goals in a match. CBU's bench has also proven to have significant depth, with multiple goals coming from bench players and other Lancers picking up starting positions well due to injuries. Lauryn White leads the Lancers with a trio of goals, scoring the equalizer against ACU last week for her third of the season. Morgan Witz has also been instrumental in creating opportunities for the Lancers, boasting six assists this season for the second most in the WAC.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Opponents: Utah Valley | Seattle U
Date and Time: Thursday, October 17th, at 6 p.m. (PST) | Sunday, October 20th at 1 p.m. (PST)
Location: UCCU Stadium (Orem, UT) | Championship Field (Seattle, WA)
Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: StatbroadCast
MATCH NOTES
Thursday's match against Utah Valley gives CBU the opportunity to even the series record, which currently favors UVU at 3-4-2. The most recent outing for these squads was at the beginning of the 2023 season, which saw a 1-1 draw at CBU Soccer Stadium. Sunday will be a revenge match for California Baptist after the Redhawks knocked CBU out of the WAC Tournament last season with a 2-1 victory. The series record is tied at 4-4-1, and a win for the Lancers would be huge for the team's final season standings.
THE WOLVERINES AT A GLANCE
Utah Valley has opened the regular season as predicted after earning the most first-place votes during the coach's poll at the beginning of the season. The Wolverines have run past their first four opponents, taking down Tarleton, Utah Tech, Southern Utah, and Abilene Christian. While UVU has scored three or more goals in each of those matches, their backline has also allowed a goal in three of those four games. Utah Tech was able to find the back of the net thrice during UVU's 4-3 win. The Wolverines will be challenged on Thursday against a very good CBU backline and expected to compete in a low-scoring match.
Leading the Wolverines on the frontlines is none other than Faith Webber, one of the best forwards in the WAC. The senior has scored 11 goals this season, leading the WAC in over four categories statistically. Webber is joined by Ruby Hladek, who has been vital in creating many opportunities for UVU and sports a conference-high eight assists. In the goal for the Wolverines is CJ Graham, a graduate student with a .677 save percentage.
THE REDHAWKS AT A GLANCE
The Redhawks have yet to drop a game in WAC regular season play, sporting a 3-0-1 conference record. After handling ACU 3-1, Seattle faltered against Southern Utah and finished with a scoreless draw against the last-place squad. The Redhawks would go on to beat both Utah Tech and Tarleton in close matches.
Seattle U has done well this season in limiting teams from scoring excessively, and it will be a defensive battle for CBU. Leading the attack for SU is Caroline Penner with eight goals and an assist this season. Kailee Wilson has also been a force in the midfield for the Redhawks, owning two goals and four assists this season. Between the posts for Seattle is Kassidy Kirgan, a sophomore goalkeeper who has allowed just ten goals across 14 games this season.
Lancer soccer tickets are on sale now HERE for all games at CBU Soccer Stadium.
