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KUTZTOWN, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's soccer team heads into back-to-back games this weekend beginning on Friday, Sept. 27, against Clarion University, and concluding on Saturday, Sept. 28, versus Indiana University (PA) at Keystone Field. It is a challenge that senior defensive captain Katie Oliveri (Mifflinburg, PA/Mifflinburg) expects her team to rise to.
 
"Having two difficult games in a row is already a challenge, but to play them back-to-back is an even bigger one," Oliveri said. "I know that the combination of our preparation this week, and the amount of players we have that are able to take care of business on the field will help us get the results we want."
 
The Golden Bears (3-3, 3-3 PSAC) are on a two-game winning streak after shutout victories over Seton Hill (2-0) and Pitt-Johnstown (3-0) last week. Oliveri led the KU defensive line in holding off UPJ from taking any shots in the most recent game, a feat that had not happened since 2008.  
 
"Within the past two games, we have worked hard to put together our attitude, focus, and mentality all within 90 minutes and got wins in both situations," Oliveri said. "The fact that we are on a bit of a winning streak now shows that we can face adversity and overcome one of the many hardships of being in the PSAC."
 
"This year has been unlike any other year in the PSAC," Oliveri continued. "Teams who generally are toward the top of the standings are now toward the bottom and vice versa. Kutztown has established a tradition of excellence; always qualifying for playoffs and striving for an NCAA bid."
 
Oliveri and her teammates look forward to the chance to finally earn a win over IUP (4-3, 3-3) for the first time since 2008. The Golden Bears were ranked tied for 10th with the Crimson Hawks in the most recent NSCAA/ Continental Tire NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Poll.
 
"In the past we have continually played so well but were never able to pull out a win" Oliveri said. "We are so pumped to change that this year."
 
The other notable win this season for KU was over seventh-ranked West Chester University. The Golden Bears took the victory 3-2.
 
Junior Sam Costello (Westfield, N.J./Westfield) leads the offensive front with six points from two goals and two assists and has tallied 25 shots, 14 of which have been shots on goal, while goalkeeper Alina Rakiewicz (Denver, PA/Cocalico) has allowed six goals on 22 saves this season for a .786 save percentage.

"We are working together as a team to continue to build our attitude and increase our focus," Oliveri said. "So far, I'm happy with the fight I have seen in this team; it's just awesome. Everyone appears to be on board with our system and our character as a team which is all I can ask for as a captain. Every game we improve on what we didn't do well the last game. It's just a matter of time, focus, and attitude that everything will come together."
 
The Golden Bears are scheduled for a 3 p.m. kickoff Friday against Clarion, followed by a 1 p.m. start Saturday versus Indiana (PA) at Keystone Field.