Marquette University Athletics
Golden Eagles Host West Virginia in Key Division Match
9/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 22, 2010
MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's soccer team will face an early season BIG EAST test as it hosts West Virginia Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. at Valley Fields.
Thursday is Marquette faculty and staff appreciation night. All Marquette faculty and staff receive free admission.
Following its game against West Virginia, Marquette will embark on a five-game conference road trip starting at Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. ET/Noon CT.
"It is a highlight game on the schedule. We have had some great battles with them and both games last fall were barnburners. I don't think we should expect anything less Thursday night," said head coach Markus Roeders. "West Virginia is one of the elite teams in the BIG EAST; and to finish at the top of the standings in October we know the road leads through playing West Virginia. We are pleased to play in front of our fans, in the environment of Valley Fields. Thursday's game will showcase BIG EAST soccer at its best."
The Golden Eagles (4-3-2, 1-0-0 BIG EAST) will look for a second straight BIG EAST win after defeating USF, 2-1, last Friday. Ashley Bares, who was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll Monday, and Taylor Madigan each scored goals in the win. With her goal on Friday against USF, Bares became the ninth Golden Eagle to register a goal this season.
In net, preseason BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year Natalie Kulla has registered three shutouts and owns a 0.73 goals against average which ranks fourth in the league.
West Virginia (4-3-0, 0-0-0 BIG EAST) was picked to finish second in the BIG EAST American Division, and enters the game at Marquette on a two-game win streak which includes a 1-0 upset win over then-No. 5 Virginia on Sunday. Mallory Smith leads WVU with seven points on three goals and one assist.
In goal, senior Kerri Butler has played every minute of every match, owns three shutouts and a 1.13 goals against average.
"They have great players; excellent coaches and they will battle. I am sure with their recent win over No. 5 Virginia, they won't lack confidence coming here, but our team loves competition and this game needs our best effort," added Roeders.
Marquette is 1-5 all-time against the Mountaineers and has not defeated them during the regular season. Marquette earned its first-ever win over WVU in the 2009 BIG EAST Championship Semifinals, 1-0. West Virginia took the regular season contest last season, 1-0, last season in Morgantown.
