California Baptist University
Southern Utah
WSOC Preview: CBU Kicks Off Conference Play on Saturday During Senior Night
9/25/2024 12:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist women's soccer team returns to Riverside to begin Western Athletic Conference play on Saturday evening as they celebrate their class of 12 seniors. The Lancers end their non-conference schedule with a winning record of 4-3-2 and have been picked to finish fourth in the WAC this season.
THE LANCERS AT A GLANCE
California Baptist is coming off a recent trip to Oregon, where they tied to the WCC's Portland squad in a 1-1 competitive draw. After the Pilots got on the board first, it was Rilee Harmon who found the equalizer for the Lancers and helped CBU pick up its second draw of the season. Prior to that, California Baptist picked up three points against crosstown rivals UC Riverside in a 1-0 victory on the home front. Ava Westlund lofted a beautiful ball over the goalkeeper's hands for the lone goal of the match and the game-winner.
CBU will look to continue their lossless streak as they begin WAC play this week against Southern Utah. Kaylee Hauck has been very good for the Lancers on the attack and will be expected to make some noise in conference matches. Morgan Witz currently leads the team in assists with three this season, while several Lancers have notched one assist, which is a nod to a very deep squad. Additionally, Mikayla O'Brien has helped lock in the backline and has been a brick wall between the posts for CBU with 28 saves on the season.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
Opponent: Southern Utah
Date and Time: Saturday, September 28th
Location: CBU Soccer Stadium (Riverside, CA)
Video: ESPN+
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
MATCH NOTES
Saturday evening is critical to both teams as the Thunderbirds and Lancers will be battling it out for a chance to start off conference play on the right foot. The series record between these two squads leans CBU's way, with the Lancers going 3-2-1 all-time. During last season's match, California Baptist walked with a 2-0 win in Utah during their historic 15-game unbeaten streak.
THE THUNDERBIRDS AT A GLANCE
Southern Utah started their season on a tough streak after falling to UNLV 3-1. Their first win of the season came in early September against Colorado College in a 2-0 decisive win before another 2-1 victory against Sacramento State. The Thunderbirds are coming off a 0-0 draw against Northern Arizona and currently sit at the bottom of the WAC standings with the least amount of wins on a 2-5-3 overall record.
Whitney Gardner will be a player to keep an eye on during the match on Saturday as she leads SUU with four goals this season. Gardner is also tied for most assists with Steph Roper, both of whom have three on the year. Darya Mosallaei sits between the posts for the Thunderbirds, allowing 15 goals this season, and has made 45 saves. SUU has scored ten goals this season and do not have any problems on the attack, but limiting their goals against will help tremendously during conference play.
Lancer soccer tickets are on sale now HERE for all games at CBU Soccer Stadium.
