ELLENSBURG, Wash.- The Central Washington University women's soccer team will kick off their home opener against Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium in Ellensburg. Coming off a successful road trip, the 'Cats will look to carry that momentum into their home stretch.
LAST TIME OUT
Central Washington opened its 2025 season on the road with a 2-0 victory over Eastern Oregon on Thursday, Sep. 11, in Monmouth, Oregon.
Jaylee Reynolds opened the scoring in the 25th minute to give the 'Cats an early lead, and
Emma Barrett doubled the advantage in the 71st minute with a well-placed finish.
Danika Galbraith earned the clean sheet, making two key saves to keep the Mountaineers off the board. Central outshot Eastern Oregon seven to five, with
Peyton Wilson leading the Crimson and Black with two shots on goal.
The Wildcats followed up with a 1-1 draw against UC Merced on Saturday, Sep. 13. After conceding in the 7th minute, the Crimson and Black fought back, equalizing in the 56th minute as
Jaylee Reynolds converted from the penalty spot—her second goal of the season. Despite being outshot eight to five, CWU's defense stood tall to preserve the result. Reynolds led the 'Cats with two shots on goal, while goalkeeper
Leighton Menge made four crucial saves to keep the match level.
QUOTING HEAD COACH JOHN HAWKS
"We're excited to get our fall 2025 campaign underway at home against a quality opponent in Monterey Bay this Saturday! This will be a true celebration of a returning group that put in the reps last winter and spring, led by our two captains in
Annelise Bauman and
Casey Park that have provided us with a sound foundation! To see the freshman class integrate so well into the group and what is becoming of our team has been a real joy to witness…This Wildcat crew is capable of much and it's a testament to the incredible women within the walls of our locker room!"
SCOUTING THE OTTERS
Cal State Monterey Bay opened its season on Thursday, Sep. 4, with a dominant 5-0 win over Fresno Pacific in Fresno, California. Jaedyn Sanders got the Otters on the board in the 13th minute, followed by a goal from Naomi Tobias in the 38th minute off an assist from Juliana Dow to make it 2-0. Just before the halftime whistle, Miye Kodama extended the lead to 3-0 with an assist from Tobias. CSUMB maintained control in the second half, as Kaylie Fowler scored in the 73rd minute—once again assisted by Tobias—before Juliana Dow capped the scoring in the 85th minute on a setup from Tiger Rendon. The Otters outshot FPU 18 to eight, while goalkeepers Olivia Wynn and Willow Baltazar combined for the clean sheet.
The Otters played to a 0-0 draw in their home opener against Hawai'i Hilo on Monday, Sep. 8, at Cardinale Stadium. Despite being outshot 20 to eight, CSUMB's defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet. Goalkeepers Olivia Wynn and Willow Baltazar each played a half, combining for five total saves. Naomi Tobias led the Otters with three shots, including two on target.
CSUMB followed up with another draw, finishing 1-1 against Dominican University at home on Wednesday, Sep. 10. After conceding in the 1st minute, the Otters responded in the 65th with an equalizer from Danielle Castro. Both teams registered 12 shots, but neither could find the winner. Juliana Dow paced the Otters offensively with three shots, two on goal, while Olivia Wynn recorded four saves.
ALL-TIME SERIES
The Crimson and Black hold a 2-1-1 all-time record against the Otters, with both teams competing in their respective conferences—the CCAA and GNAC. The Wildcats most recently edged out a 1-0 win in Seaside on September 5, 2024, and will look to build on that momentum as they aim to extend their win streak over Cal State Monterey Bay.
UP NEXT
The 'Cats continue their homestand and open GNAC play by hosting #18 Simon Fraser on Thursday, Sep. 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium followed by a rivalry matchup against Western Washington on Saturday, Sep. 27 at 11:00 a.m. at CWU Soccer Field.
