Golden, Colo. – After just missing out on the 2019 conference tournament, the Colorado Mesa (5-3-1, 3-2 RMAC) women's soccer team secured the No.4 seed out of the Rocky division. They will matchup up with Colorado Mines in Tuesday's quarterfinal in Golden. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
LAST TIME OUT
Westminster had spoiled Colorado Mesa's conference opener back on Mar. 21, scoring in the double-overtime period for the final 2-1 score.
When the two teams met up for a rematch in Salt Lake City, the Mavericks sought out revenge. Revenge is exactly what they got, grounding the Griffins by a 3-1 score, thanks to goals from Lexi Newton, Lila Dere and Sophia Beames.
Newton was also on the assisting end of one of the goals, while Haley Klasner picked up a career and season high two assists.
Emily Signorio tallied seven saves on the day while in goal.
MAVERICK MENTALITY
The Mavericks are averaging the fourth most shots in the conference averaging just over 16 per game, taking a total of 147. 75 of those shots have been targeted towards the frame, for an average of over eight per game.
They do lead the conference in corner kicks, taking 57 thus far on the season.
With 16 goals in nine games, the Mavs average just under two goals per game. They have scored five game winners and have been the first to score on five different occasions.
OH DERE!
Freshman, Lila Dere has had a standout season leading the team with seven goals and 14-points. She has scored four of the team's five game winners, and scored a season high two goals, twice this season.
She scored her first collegiate goal in the first five minutes of play in a 5-0 shutout of Western State back on Mar. 19. She scored again the 23^rd minute that same game, sparking a 3-game scoring streak.
NOTHING NEW (TON)
Just one out of a small group of veterans on the Maverick team, Lexi Newton has been a key contributor to the team's success. The Palisade product, leads the team in assists with four and has also gotten in on the scoring efforts netting two goals for a total of eight points this spring. ,
She has started all nine games for CMU, and has amassed over 700 minutes of pitch time.
DO NOT ENTER
Mikayla Eccher, Bobbie Golik, and Michaela Dangler have spent the most time on the field, each recording over 800-minutes played.
The combined line of defense, have limited opponents to just nine shots per game, with a total of 39 shots on goal out of 84 total shots.
They were also key in the Mavericks recording four shutouts this season, and keeping opponents out of the corner.
SCOUTING THE OREDIGGERS
Coming in at No. 20 in the April 6, United Soccer Coaches poll were the Orediggers out of Colorado Mines (6-0-2, 4-0-1 RMAC).
Tuesday's quarterfinal will come nearly two and a half weeks since the Orediggers last game against Western State. CSM enjoyed a five-nil shutout, which marked a season high. As a team, they have allowed just three goals on the season, with five shutout performances.
Junior, midfielder Eliot Edwards leads the team in goals with five, to go along with three assists. Chaney Brugman and AK Ford have four goals each, Brugman also getting in on two assists,
Sierra Roth has been the go-to in goal for CSM, earning six shutouts and allowing just two goals for a 6-0-1 record. The Highlands Ranch native has 22 saves to her name, and sports a .917 save percentage.
REMEC ERA
Along with the season taking place in a different half of the year, the women's soccer team is also under new leadership with Megan Remec taking over the reins back in November.
Remec concluded her second stint with MSU Denver after being on staff from 2013 to 2016 and then rejoined the program beginning in 2019. She helped the Roadrunners to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances including a trip to the Region Finals in 2013. While at MSU Denver, Megan helped develop two all-Americans, 11 all-Region players, and both the RMAC Player of the Year and RMAC Freshman of the Year.
Remec picked up her first career win with a 2-0 decision over Western State on Mar. 13.