ARCATA, Calif. – With three games scheduled in the first five days of the season, Humboldt State women's soccer understands the importance of starting strong.
"The older girls know how to win," said Head Coach
Paul Karver. "The returners have done it now, with increasing numbers every year since we've been here. And now, we add a lot of youth. If we can get into a good rhythm against some of these teams early on, these top-25 caliber opponents, that will prepare us for our conference."
The Jacks, coming off their best season since 2008, look to take the next step forward as a program on the rise.
The Green and Gold's first opportunity will be at the Concordia Invite in Portland. HSU will play Seattle Pacific on Thursday at 4 p.m. before facing the hosts on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Humboldt will play an extra game on Sunday at noon against George Fox before heading back to the North Coast.
HSU's non-conference schedule continues the following weekend in St. George, Utah with games against out-of-state opponents Dixie State and Colorado Mesa on Sept. 8 and 10, respectively.
Returning for the Jacks is
Bridget Daley, an All-CCAA Honorable Mention selection from 2015, who scored seven goals for the Jacks in her freshman campaign, including two game-winners. Daley ranked in the top 10 in the CCAA in goals, points, shots, and game-winners, and her seven goals are tied for 11th in HSU's single-season records.
As true freshmen,
Madison Barnett and
Jensen Smith played and started all 18 games on the back line for the Jacks. Now, as sophomores, the two look to replicate the successes of 2015 (eight shutouts and 0.95 GAA) in front of a true freshman goalkeeper.
"The girls are excited," Karver. "The older girls have been leading by example and setting the tone. They understand that we can't drop points in any game and they are teaching the younger players."
HSU's home opener will be on Sept. 16, against CCAA foe Cal State San Bernardino. The weekend home stand continues on Sept. 18 with Cal Poly Pomona heading north to College Creek Field.
