Sports

Cougars head west in search of victory

UH hopes to enter the win column when it opens its West Coast swing at 5 p.m. today against Pepperdine in Malibu, Ca. The Cougars (0-2-0) will wrap up their trip when they face Loyola Marymount at 3 p.m Sunday in Los Angeles.

Although UH will remain focused during this trip, head coach Susan Bush said it will include additional perks for the players.

‘It’s going to be a nice homecoming for about four of our players,’ Bush said. ‘We have been recruiting West Coast players for the last couple of years, so it will be nice to have family and fan support from their family back in California.’

Defender Stephanie Derieq, forward Jessica Zavalza, midfielder Kaitlin Thulin and midfielder Ryane Woods will return to their former stomping grounds.

Midfielder Avery Blasi and the Cougars will have to contain Pepperdine star Sophia Medina, who was named to Soccer America’s Team of the Week during the first week of the season.

Blasi has one goal and two points to lead the Cougars in the early season. Medina has three points to go with one goal on the season, presenting an interesting challenge for both squads.

Bush emphasized the need to play well on the defensive end so her team can ‘get behind the ball early.’

‘We continually tell our team we have to play defense as a team,’ Bush said. ‘If we can prevent that penetrating ball in to her (Medina) and watch the runners off of her, we’ll be successful.” ‘ ‘ ‘

Goalkeeper Lauren Frazier, who had six saves against UTSA in the season-opener, looks forward to the challenge of stopping Medina.

Pepperdine (2-1-0) is returning home after a 1-0 victory against Tennessee on Sunday. The Waves are tough at Tari Frahm Rokus Field, where they have an all-time winning percentage of .719.

Loyola Marymount (2-1) is coming off a 3-0 win against Northern Arizona on Sunday. The Lions host Vermont tonight before welcoming the Cougars on Sunday.

Midfielders Gabrielle Parisella and Julie Gallaudet lead the Lions with two goals and four points and one goal and five points, respectively.

Despite the Cougars’ 0-2 record, they have shown potential to net positive results in spite of its inexperienced roster. Bush feels increased productivity from the offense will be the key to more success.’

‘I think were still trying to put all of the pieces together,’ Bush said. ‘We’re creating plenty of chances offensively. Now it’s just a matter of sticking the goal in the back of the net.’

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