This Week for the Redhawks: The Seattle University women's soccer team enters this week behind their NSCAA No. 9 regional west ranking, following their fourth consecutive victory. SU will square off with a pair of teams on the road this week, beginning in Pocatello, Idaho with the Idaho State Bengals (3-2-1) on Thursday, Sept. 9, in a 4 p.m. PT match. They will close out the road trip with the Broncos of Boise State (2-4) in a noon contest in Boise, Idaho.
Last Time Out: Seattle U extended their winning ways, posting a pair of victories last week. They took Eastern Washington into double overtime on Sept. 3, in Cheney, Wash., but the resilient Redhawks were able to come away with a 2-1 victory, off a freshman Ava Ames goal. Their opening goal of the game came off an Eagle own goal.
Two days later, SU hosted WCC rival Gonzaga. The offensive tandem of Kara Kuttler and Emma Levy combined for both goals, with each getting a goal and an assist, to lead the Redhawks to their first win at home this season and a 2-0 shutout.
What Woodward Says: "We are excited about earning a No. 9 ranking in the west region going into this week. We are in great company with several WCC schools on the list. I think we are all getting much more comfortable out there and we are looking forward to playing two solid opponents in Idaho State and Boise State."
Follow the Game: Fans can follow all the Redhawk women's soccer action this weekend by logging onto www.GoSeattleU.com. Live audio will be available from Idaho State, click here. Live stats will be available for SU's game at Boise State. Live Twitter and Facebook updates will also be available.
No. 9 in the West: The Redhawks earned their first-ever ranking since reclassifying back into NCAA Division I status this week. They were selected as the NSCAA No. 9 team in the west region, among the company of six WCC squads, including nationally ranked No. 4 Portland, who tops the poll.
On a Roll: Seattle U currently is riding a four game win streak after starting the season off with a pair of losses at home. SU defeated UC Riverside 1-0 (8/27), UC Irvine 2-1 (8/29), Eastern Washington 2-1 in double overtime (9/3) and earned their first home victory over Gonzaga on Sept. 5, with a 2-0 victory.
Ames Right: Freshman Ava Ames made the most of her substitution minutes in the Redhawks game at Eastern Washington on Sept. 3. The SU newcomer received a pass from veteran midfielder Kassandra Riozzi in the 109th minute in double overtime to shoot in the game-winner from 15 yards out. She helped guide SU to their third consecutive road win.
The Strikers: Senior Kara Kuttler and sophomore transfer Emma Levy have become a solid offensive tandem for the Redhawks this season. The duo each had a goal and an assist in Seattle U's 2-0 shutout over Gonzaga on Sept. 5.
Goverde Earns Second Shutout: Junior goalkeeper Madison Goverde posted her second shutout of the season versus Gonzaga on Sept. 5. Currently, she's tallied 30 saves and has a 0.96 goals against average.
Defense Doing Work: The Redhawk backline, anchored by Nance Hill and Jordan Salisbury, has been integral in helping guide SU to four consecutive victories.
Scouting Idaho State: The Bengals of Idaho State (3-2-1) are coming off their overtime 1-0 shutout victory over Boise State at the Governor's Cup on Sept. 5. They fell to the University of Idaho two days prior, in a 2-1 loss.
Rachel Strawn currently leads the ISU offense with a pair of goals, including their game-winner over BSU. She also has a pair of assists. Six other Bengal players have all seen the back of the net this season, as well.
Defensively, Idaho State's lone shutout was a double overtime 0-0 draw versus Utah State on Aug. 29. Bailey Williams has started in all six Bengal contests. She has made 35 saves this season between the pipes. The team has also seen action from backup 'keeper Carly Hutchings in a pair of games.
The Last Time Seattle U Faced Idaho State: The Redhawks and the Bengals have not squared off since SU began the reclassification process back into NCAA Division I status.
Scouting Boise State: Boise State (2-4) is currently riding a two game losing streak. At the Governor's Cup, they fell 1-0 to Utah Valley on Sept. 3, and fell 1-0 in overtime to Idaho State two days later. They posted victories at Portland State on Aug. 22, 2-1, and at Colorado College, 3-1, on Aug. 29. Sunday's game will mark the Broncos' home opener.
Leading BSU's offensive game is Erica Parks, who has two goals and an assist for five points in six games played. Shannon Saxton is the team's assist leader, with a pair of dishes.
Between the posts, Liz Ruiz has been the Bronco 'keeper in all six games played. She's tallied 45 saves and has a 1.29 goals against average. Ruiz has allowed eight goals in 559:17 minutes played.
The Last Time Seattle U Faced Boise State: Seattle U opened up the 2009 campaign at home with a 1-0 shutout over Boise State on Aug. 21. Jamie Peterson received a cross from Jamie Coe, to chip it over the 'keeper's head into the far post.