ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The Central Washington University women's soccer team will look to return to form this weekend against a pair of tough GNAC opponents. The action will start Thursday afternoon at Western Oregon, followed by a rematch on Saturday at Northwest Nazarene.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH LINDSEY LEE
"The best thing about our conference is that every time presents new challenges and opportunities to grow as a team. WOU is no different and the team is ready to go play another top-tier team."
 
Lindsey added, "The next best part about our conference is everyone has to play us again! We are very excited to get another chance at NNU."
 
SCOUTING THE WOLVES
Western Oregon possesses a 6-2-2 record, is tied for 3rd in the GNAC with a 3-2-1 conference record, and is 4-1-0 at home this season.
 
The Wolves dropped out of national rankings to start the week due to a 1-2 loss at Montana State Billings and a 2-2 draw at Seattle Pacific last weekend.
 
Senior forward Chloe Smith is the team's leader in goals (5), shots (30), and shots on goal (15). Smith's numbers rank 2nd in the conference in goals and points (12). Raeanne Jones and Lilly Nowatzke have tallied three goals each as well.
 
Junior Sophia Pierce is the team's primary goalkeeper, having allowed six goals in 10 starts and registering 24 saves. Pierce leads the GNAC with five shutouts.
 
SCOUTING THE NIGHTHAWKS
Northwest Nazarene enters the weekend with a 4-3-3 record and is 5th in the GNAC (2-3-1). The Nighthawks are 0-1-1 at home this year. Last weekend, NNU suffered a pair of road losses at Simon Fraser (0-1) and Western Washington (1-2).
 
The Wildcats and Nighthawks battled earlier this season at the beginning of the conference slate, falling 0-2 at home. In that game, Nicole Lewis was the difference-maker, recording a goal and an assist.
 
Lewis has been NNU's point leader all season, tallying three goals, four assists, and 15 shots. Madison Grande is also tied for the team lead in goals (3).
 
Bailey Blancett is a mainstay in goal for the Nighthawks, playing every minute of every game this season. She's allowed nine goals in 10 starts and has made 29 saves.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Wildcats dropped both of their matchups last weekend, starting with a 0-1 loss at Western Washington. The team couldn't turn their fortune around before Saturday, falling 0-4 at Simon Fraser.