Women's Soccer | 10/07/2016
Stats/Video
ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict soccer team faces another tough test Saturday, Oct. 8, when it hosts Bethel. The second-place Royals are two points ahead of CSB in the MIAC, so Saturday's 1 p.m. game could have big implications for postseason standings down the road.
About the Royals
One year after winning three games and going 0-11 in MIAC play, Bethel enters Saturday's game 9-1-1 overall and 4-0-0 in the MIAC. The Royals one loss was a 1-0 loss to Augustana (Ill.) in the first game of the season, followed by a tie in their second game. Since then Bethel has won nine straight, including a 2-1 win over Bethany Lutheran Wednesday. Maggie Sipe leads the MIAC with 25 points on nine goals and seven assists. MIAC Athlete of the Week Dylan Melby has a .902 save percentage, a .60 goals-against average, and recorded 46 saves.
Last Year
Saint Benedict beat the Royals 3-1 last season on Oct. 10 in St. Paul. The Blazers got out to an early lead thanks to
Taylor Hedin, and then maintained a lead through the rest of the game. CSB outshot the Bethel 7-2, including 5-2 in shots on net.
Who to Watch
Senior forward
Taylor Hedin has been a big part of CSB's offense so far this season. She has 22 points, and leads the team with eight goals and six assists.
Jane Koch has six goals, and both
Brooke DeMets and
Jenna Kleason both have two goals. The Blazers allow 1.86 goals against per game, and
Heather Kaluzniak has 55 saves in 11 starts in goal.
The Storyline
CSB is coming off of a big 3-1 win against St. Catherine on Saturday, marking the Wildcats' first conference loss. This key matchup could play a role in playoff seeding down the road, so it is important for both teams. Saint Benedict is trying to continue its solid season and improve on its 7-2-2 overall record and 3-1-1 mark in the MIAC.
