BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- After a three-match road trip, the CSU Bakersfield women's soccer team will be glad to see the Main Soccer Field again this week. The Roadrunners will host a midweek match against UC Santa Barbara Sept. 23 before opening Western Athletic Conference play Sept. 26 against Grand Canyon.
“This is a very exciting week for us with Santa Barbara in town and opening WAC play on Saturday,” CSUB Head Coach Gary Curneen said. “Obviously, we will take confidence into Wednesday's game after our result against Air Force, but, it is important that we focus on what got us there. The same work ethic, energy, aggression, and commitment to putting the team first are all required this week. If we can hit those levels and sustain them, I have the utmost confidence in this group to get the results we desire.”
The 'Runners (2-5-1) split their two matches last week in Colorado. After falling to Colorado College 2-1 on Friday, CSUB was in an early hole against Air Force on Sunday. The resilient squad fought back and held on for a 2-1 road win against the Falcons. Sabrina Delgado, a freshman from Hacienda Heights, Calif., was a major catalyst for the 'Runners. The midfielder scored two goals, including the game winner against Air Force, and was named WAC Offensive Player of the Week for her efforts.
UC Santa Barbara (5-3-1) had its five-match win streak snapped on Sunday when they fell at home to Dayton 2-1. The Gauchos are offensively led by Mallory Hromatko and Sydney Magnin who each boast three goals on the season. Hromatko also has a team-high 10 points on the year thanks to four assists. Jacq Caginia and Beth Ritter have split time in goal almost evenly for UCSB. The two keepers have records of 4-0-0 and 1-1-1, respectively, while Caginia has allowed four goals to Ritter's six.
Grand Canyon entered the week with a record of 3-5-1 after dropping a pair of matches last week by identical 2-1 scores. The losses continued a streak from the week prior as the Antelopes have lost their last four games. Milla Benedetti leads the GCU offense with four goals, two assists, and ten points. Blakely Fraasch has earned the majority of time in goal, has made 47 saves this season, and has a goals against average of 1.86.
Wednesday's match against UCSB will kick off at 7 p.m. and CSUB Athletics has a special treat for its young fans. On Sept. 23, all kids in 8th grade and under will receive complimentary admission when accompanied by an adult. Wednesday is also the annual Rowdy Run. Come on out to the Main Soccer Field and join us in welcoming the class of 2019. T-shirts and face paint will be provided to students participating in the Rowdy Run.
Sunday's match against Grand Canyon is also slated for a 7 p.m. start. For tickets to both matches, visit Vallitix.com or purchase at the gate. Both matches will have live stats and are scheduled to be broadcast, free of charge to fans, on the WAC Digital Network.
~GoRunners.com~
