ELLENSBURG, Wash – Central Washington begins collegiate play on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. as they face the Otters of California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, Calif. The action will continue Saturday as the Wildcats head to Chula Vista to take on the defending national champions #1 Point Loma at 11:30 a.m.
 
THE WILDCATS
Central Washington went 3-12-4 overall last season and 2-8-4 in conference play. The Cats' roster features several key returning players, including two 2023 Honorable Mention All-Conference athletes.  Casey Park led the crimson and black in goals last season with four and the junior will be looking forward to having another breakout season. Another notable returnee is Sami Huber, who earned Honorable Mention All-GNAC honors as a freshman after appearing in 19 games and scoring twice against Seattle Pacific. Head coach Lindsey Lee is entering her 3^rd season at the helm and states, "I am really excited for the next chapter in CWU soccer as this feels like a different squad with a healthy roster and transfers coming in". Another stand out name is Jordan Bartlow who was referenced by Coach Lee, stating " Bartlow missed all last season due to injury and now that she is healthy, she will be making a direct impact on the field with her goal creating opportunities".
 
THE OTTERS
CSUMB finished 4-8-5 overall and 3-6-2 in conference play last season and will be looking to improve this season. Amelia McManus will be a name to look out for as she led the Otters in goals last season with seven and was named first team ALL-CCAA.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
It's been nine years since these two schools played each other with each being in their respective conferences, CCAA and GNAC. The 'Cats are 1-1-1 against Monterey Bay and most recently won 2-0 in Ellensburg on September 11, 2015. They will be looking to secure their first win in the Otter Sports Complex Soccer Field.
 
THE SEA LIONS
Point Loma finished 17-3-1 overall and 8-2 in conference play and won the NCAA Division II national championship a season ago. They also won the PacWest Conference and ended their season on an 11-game win streak. Their leading goal scorer, Alana Diaz who was named to the D2CCA All-West Region Second Team and United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Third will be a name to watch as she is entering her senior year, scoring eight in seventeen appearances last season as a junior. Entering the 2024 season ranked #1, the Sea Lions will look to continue to build off their success and maintain momentum leading up to the new season.
 
ALL-TIME SERIES
Point Loma are 3-0-0 against the Wildcats and most recently won 6-1 in Ellensburg on Sept. 18, 2021. CWU will be looking to complete the upset when they face each other this upcoming Saturday. The non-conference match up is a good test for both teams before they open conference play.
 
UP NEXT
Central Washington hosts Chico State for their home opener on Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. Come out to Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium to support CWU in the Wildcat showdown.