Warriors Set for Westmont and Cowbell Cup Showdown with UC Merced
TURLOCK, Calif. – Stanislaus State women's soccer (2-1-2) is set for a two-match week, traveling to Santa Barbara to face Westmont this Thursday, Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m. The Warriors will return home this Sunday, Sept. 28 for a 6:00 p.m. non-conference match with UC Merced. This will be the Annual Cowbell Cup Match.
Recap of Last Match
Over the weekend, Stan State battled to a 2-2 draw at Biola in its first road test of the season. Jocelin Roa opened the scoring with her first goal of the year off an assist from Kellyann Rodriguez, while Olivia Maragos added her first career goal as a Warrior in the second half on a setup from Olivia Kamm.
Update on the Warriors
The Warriors have leaned on strong defensive performances and timely goals through their opening five matches. Zara Mujica has anchored the back line with a 0.80 goals-against average, 21 saves, and three shutouts. Haylee Sousa leads the team with two goals, while Roa, Maragos, and Grace Fabionar have also found the net. Aliah Avila has sparked the attack with three assists.
Warriors Amongst CCAA/NCAA Leaders
Nationally, Aliah Avila ranks 18th in NCAA Division II with three assists, which also places her second in the CCAA. Meanwhile, Zara Mujica stands 13th in the country with three shutouts, a mark that leads all CCAA goalkeepers. Both players have been key to Stan State's strong start and will look to carry that form into conference play.
Scouting Westmont
Westmont (0-4-0) is still seeking its first win after a tough non-conference stretch against CCAA opposition. The Santa Barbara side has been outscored 8–2 but features a key scoring threat in Skyler McNamara, who has delivered both team's goals. Goalkeeper Ellie Ludwig has faced heavy pressure in goal, collecting 10 saves across four matches. Before hosting Stan State this Thursday, Westmont will host UC Merced this Monday. This is just the second all-time meeting between the two programs, after the teams first met in 2024 and played to a scoreless draw in Turlock.
Scouting UC Merced
UC Merced (2-0-2) comes in unbeaten and boasting one of the region's stingiest defenses. Goalkeeper Alicia Lepe has allowed just one goal in four matches, posting a .889 save percentage and three shutouts. Offensively, Trinidad Quiroz has fired 22 shots and scored twice, while Macy Max has added another goal to the Bobcats' balanced start. Before traveling to Turlock this Sunday to face Stan State, the Bobcats will have two matches at Westmont (Monday, Sept. 22) and at Azusa Pacific (Wednesday, Sept. 24). The two programs are meeting in official competition for the first time but are familiar foes, having squared off in exhibition matches the past couple of seasons.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will begin CCAA play after they host UC Merced. They will host Cal State East Bay on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in their Kick Cancer Match, followed by Cal State Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. as part of Latinx Heritage Day.
Latest Athletics News
- Stan State Men’s Soccer Ranked No. 2 Nationally, No. 1 in West for Third Straight WeekStanislaus State men's soccer remains ranked No. 2 in the nation for the third straight week, according to the United Soccer Coaches poll, while also holding the No. 1 spot in the West Region for the third consecutive week. The Warriors are one of only three teams in NCAA Division II to remain undefeated at 6–0, joining Lynn University and Young Harris College. They are also one of four programs from the West Region ranked nationally, alongside Cal Poly Pomona at No. 11, Seattle Pacific at No. 17, Cal State Los Angeles at No. 21, and Cal State San Bernardino at No. 25.
- Stan State Women’s Cross Country Ranked No. 1 in West Region for Third Straight WeekFor the third straight week, the Stanislaus State women's cross country team holds the No. 1 spot in the West Regional rankings, maintaining its top position in the USTFCCCA Division II poll. The Warriors are also ranked No. 16 in the nation, with updated national rankings set to be released by the USTFCCCA tomorrow morning.
- Bascom Cards Top-20 Finish at WWU InvitationalStanislaus State men's golf closed out the Western Washington University Invitational on Tuesday at Bellingham Golf & Country Club, finishing 13th in the 14-team field. Owen Bascom led the Warriors with his two-over 218 to finish in a four-way tie for 17th place.
- Stan State Travels for Matches with Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State East BayStan State's volleyball team is on the road this week to continue conference play. The Warriors will travel to Cal State Monterey Bay on October 3 for a match at 5:00 p.m., followed by a visit to Cal State East Bay on October 4 for a 5:00 p.m. match as well.
- Tanksley’s Net Presence Earns FloCollege/CCAA Volleyball Defensive Player of the WeekStanislaus State's Malia Tanksley has been honored as the FloCollege/CCAA Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week following a dominant weekend at the net that helped the Warriors sweep Chico State and Cal Poly Humboldt. With the two wins, Stan State improved to 4-0 in CCAA play for the first time in program history.
- Bascom Leads Warriors After Day One at WWU InvitationalStanislaus State men's golf wrapped up the opening day of the Western Washington University Invitational on Monday at Bellingham Golf & Country Club, finishing tied for 11th in the 14-team field. The Warriors battled through rainy conditions in the Pacific Northwest, carding rounds of 297 (+9) and 299 (+11) for a 36-hole total of 596 (+20), putting them alongside Saint Martin's heading into Tuesday's final round.