The Cougars open Conference USA play against No. 9 Memphis in the midst of a three-game winning streak.
The Cougars (3-5-0) have scored 12 goals during the stretch, while posting shutouts in each match.
The Tigers (8-0-0) have rolled through their non-conference schedule.
The defending C-USA champions have scored 19 goals and conceded only four this season, with senior goalkeeper Jordan Boyle recording five clean sheets.
Although the prospect of squaring off against one of the nation’s top programs might be daunting to some of the players, head coach Susan Bush said she expects a close contest Friday.
“Memphis is on a hot streak right now,” Bush said. “It’s always a fierce game with them and we’re expecting nothing but the best from them.
“We’re happy it’s at home but we know that it’s going to be a tough game and a tough weekend.”
Playing hurt
Freshman forward Kelsey Zamora — who took an elbow to the face in the second half against Louisiana-Lafayette — said that the team has been coming together over the past few weeks, and is looking forward to starting conference play.
“I’m excited,” Zamora said. “Even with a broken nose.”
Cougar goalkeeper Cami Koski was optimistic about the upcoming challenge from an undefeated Memphis squad.
“Memphis is definitely going to be a tough game,” Koski said. “But we’re going to come out with a fire. We’re on our home field and looking for a win.”
The match kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday at Robertson Stadium.
