ELLENSBURG, WASH.- The Wildcats hope to extend their record to 2-0 after heading down into the desert to take on the 'Lopes at Grand Canyon University.

GAME INFORMATION
Saturday, March 6^th
12:00 PM
vs. Grand Canyon University 
GCU Practice Soccer Field 
Phoenix, AZ

QUOTABLE

"The team was pretty sore after a very physical match vs. BYU last Saturday and so we had to strike a balance between managing training volume, recovery, and still pushing the growth of the team.  The ladies had a good week of training and we challenged them to adapt with some new combinations of players." CWU Head Coach Trevor Richards said. "On the whole, the coaching staff is looking for more precision on both sides of the ball. We know that we can hold our own physically against any team at this level, however, we are looking for more fluid execution of both our attack and defensive systems. We showed glimpses of it against BYU, but we need more consistency. When our desired precision meets our already established physicality, we are going to be a dangerous team. GCU is a very solid program that is on the rise and will hopefully be joining our conference in the next year or two. Their coach, Lindsey Mahoney, has brought in some strong athletes and they will undoubtedly push us in all areas of the game. It should be a great match-up." 

SCOUTING GRAND CANYON

The 'Lopes have only hosted one game this season, an intrasquad game just last weekend.

Last season the 'Lopes posted a 5-2-1 schedule before the restrictions of the COVID-19 virus ended their season. The 'Lopes offense averaged roughly 19 points & defense giving up 23 points per match in the short 2020 spring season.

LAST TIME OUT  

The 'Cats had a strong home opener against BYU, winning the match a powerful 43-13.

"Really happy to see what our forward pack did; they were very dominant in the scrums and that really got us going forward and set the tone for the game. Really glad to see our outside backs working as well." CWU Head Coach Trevor Richards said.

Haley Abeyta kicked off the 'Cats offense in the 5^th minute with a try. Wildcats up 5-3.

Sammy Stern quickly jumped into the action with a break-away sprint, outrunning the defense over 30 yards to put the 'Cats up ahead 10-8 just before the half.

Philomena Namosimalua got the 'Cats rolling in the 2nd half to maintain momentum. Wildcats start the second half up 15-8.

Sammy Stern kicked on the jets again, outrunning the Cougars defense twice for over 45 yards untouched and scoring two more try's to post a hat-trick and really break open the scoring for her fellow 'Cats on offense.

Jherish Moananu also scored a quick try and followed it up by scoring the conversion. A final try by Tessa Han and a successful conversion by Keia Mae Sagapolu late in the second half would close out the opening match for the Wildcats.