KUTZTOWN, PA (September 14, 2010) – On the eve of its much anticipated showdown at West Chester University, the Kutztown University women's soccer team learned it has climbed to 15th in the latest National Soccer Coaches' Association of America/HendrickCars.com Top 25 poll. Kutztown moved up three spots from last week.
Kutztown also remained ranked second in the NSCAA/HendrickCars.com Atlantic Region behind West Chester, who is ranked fifth in the national poll. The showdown between PSAC and nationally-ranked powers begins at 3 p.m. For fans not able to attend the game, you can CLICK HERE to view live stats.
The balanced Golden Bears are 4-0 for the first time since 2001. Last weekend, they opened the expanded Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) schedule by defeating Mercyhurst (1-0) and Gannon (4-2). Leading the way over the weekend for Kutztown was sophomore forward Stephanie Borland, who was named PSAC Women's Soccer Athlete of the Week. Borland scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to beat Mercyhurst and added a pair of assists against Gannon.
Kutztown has had 11 players score at least one goal this season. The Golden Bears have three players tied for the team lead with three goals scored each: Megan Black, Morgan Muracco and Borland, who leads KU with nine points. Goalie Alyssa Hackelberg has registered two shutouts for the Golden Bears. The Golden Bears combination of depth has enabled them to score 12 of their 17 goals after intermission.
“The West Chester game will certainly be a challenge for us, but we are ready and excited to meet that challenge,” Kutztown head coach Erik Burstein said. “Although it is always difficult to beat West Chester on the road, I truly believe we have the team and players to do it.”
West Chester proved to be a riddle the Golden Bears couldn't solve in 2009, losing all three meetings to the Golden Rams including the PSAC title contest, 2-1. While a win over West Chester would be nice, Burstein is not putting any extra emphasis on this game. Kutztown also hosts Millersville Saturday afternoon beginning at 2 p.m.
“As far as this game having huge importance, I can't say that it does,” Burstein said. “Although we will go to WCU with every intention of winning the game, it is not a result we absolutely need. It will not end our season or significantly hurt our chances of earning a PSAC playoff spot. We absolutely want to win the game, and as long as we are willing to go and compete, I think we will.”
--KU--
