KUTZTOWN, PA (October 6, 2011) – The Kutztown University women's soccer team returns home this weekend to play a pair of Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) games.  On Friday, Oct. 7th Kutztown takes on Shippensburg University.  The Golden Bears return on Saturday to play a rematch of last season's PSAC semifinal match against California (Pa.). Both games are set for 2 p.m. at Keystone Field.

Kutztown (8-2 overall, 6-1 PSAC) enters the weekend ranked 16th in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) top 25 poll. 
 
Shippensburg (4-4-3 overall, 2-3-2 PSAC) is 1-3-1 in its last five matches.  Kutztown plans on continuing its success against Ship as it has done in the past.  In it's last matchup, KU defeated Ship 3-0.  Although Kutztown currently holds second place in the PSAC, it's not overlooking the Red Raiders one bit. 
 
“Shippensburg is a good team,” Kutztown University head coach Erik Burstein said.  “Their record may not show, but in this conference any team can beat any team on any given day.  We have got to stay focused for Friday because we need to bring a win into Saturday's game.”
 
Saturday's matchup between third-ranked California (7-0-2 overall, 5-0-2 PSAC) may be the biggest match so far for the Golden Bears.  Cal comes into the weekend undefeated, but Kutztown has unfinished business with the Vulcans.  Twice last season the two powerhouses met up and both matches were in Cal's favor.  Cal edged out Kutztown 1-0 in the regular season and did so again by the same score in overtime of the 2010 PSAC semifinals. 
 
Cal possesses a fierce scoring offense that is averaging over three goals per match (3.22).  Junior forward Carley Work has been the catalyst for California this season with a team-leading 11 goals. 
 
Kutztown keeper Casey Behrendt (Palmyra, PA/Palmyra) is well prepared to defend the 2011 KU season. Behrendt has remained solid all season, holding opponents to less than one goal per game (0.70).  On the offensive side the Borland-Jaffin connection is ready to step up again.
 
Junior Maria Borland (Hagerstown, MD/Hagerstown) leads the Golden Bears with eight goals this season, three of which have come from standout freshman Bella Jaffin (Nescopeck, PA/Berwick Area).  Jaffin is leading the team in assists (three) and is sixth on the team in total points (three). 
 
This Saturday will also be KU's senior day match.  Kutztown will be honoring three seniors who have shown their commitment for the maroon and gold. Shannon Pennock (Mansfield, N.J./Northern Burlington), Laura Hearn (Wall, N.J./St. Rose), and Carolynne Kahl (Bethel, PA/Tuplehocken) have all been tremendous contributors to the Golden Bears recent success.
 
Following its weekend matchups, KU hosts East Stroudsburg on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in its final regular season home match of the season.  Game-time is set for 3 p.m.