California Baptist University
Abilene Christian
WSOC Preview: Lancers Set to Begin WAC Play on Thursday
9/24/2025 10:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The regular season has officially arrived for the California Baptist women's soccer program, and Kristen St. Clair's squad will kick off their 2025 Western Athletic campaign at home as they welcome Abilene Christian and Tarleton State to CBU Soccer Stadium this week. The Lancers enter the week with a 4-5-1 non-conference record and were picked initially to finish league play in second behind reigning regular-season champs Utah Valley in the coaches' poll earlier this season.
St. Clair's squad has found their rhythm on offense despite a slow start and owns eight goals in the last five matches. CBU has also been called one of the best defenses in the WAC for the last few years, and this year is no exception, with Preseason Defensive Player of the Year holding down the backline and two-time goalkeeper of the week, Mikayla O'Brien, between the sticks. Other notable Lancers include Ava Westlund, who leads CBU with three goals and a pair of assists, and Kaylee Hauck with two goals and an assist. The Lancers will be looking to secure their first WAC Regular Season Championship with their final year in the conference before heading to Orem, Utah, for the tournament to defend their title.
Abilene Christian comes to Riverside on Thursday evening with a 4-5 record overall, citing non-conference wins over Tulsa, Houston Christian, UTEP, and Northwestern State. All of the Wildcats' matches this season have been low-scoring on both fronts and often presented one to two deficits. ACU's offense has yet to score multiple goals in a single game, but has never allowed more than two goals during a match this season. Abby Smith leads the team with two goals this season, and their offense stems from playmakers Amelia Leggett and Peyton Hill, who both have a pair of assists this season.
For the Texans, the 2025 non-conference record has been one of their best starts in recent years, with six wins, two losses, and a pair of draws. Tarleton State will open against Utah Valley on Thursday evening before heading west to CBU for the Sunday match. The opening week of WAC play will be the first games outside of Texas for TSU, as the squad comes off a recent 9-0 win over Schreiner University last week. Leading the Tarleton State offense is Stevie Reynolds with nine goals and four assists, leading both the Texans and WAC opponents in goals scored this year. On the other side of the field, Emma Barnes has done a fantastic job between the posts for TSU and has allowed just two goals across eight games with 21 saves this season.
Thursday's match against Abilene Christian is set for 7 p.m. in Riverside, while the Lancers will take on the Texans on Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are available here.
