GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa Women's Soccer team had a quick turnaround from the unique spring season, returning to Maverick Field to host the Colorado Mesa Kickoff. Their season opener will feature the Mavericks against the Falcons of Texas Permian Basin on Friday at 7 p.m. They will close out the weekend on Sunday, taking on Western Oregon at 12 p.m.
Friday will also highlight a matchup between Western Colorado and Western Oregon at 4 p.m.

Preseason Poll
This season the Mavericks came in at No. 7 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, moving up a spot from last season's poll. Head Coach Megan Remec returns for the Fall season after leading the team to 5-4-1 record last season and a berth in the RMAC Tournament.

Back to Business
All five of the team's All-RMAC selections return, and look to build on their success. Reigning Freshman of the Year, Lila Dere had a standout debut season leading the scoring efforts with seven goals, including two, two goal games. She and junior defender, Michaela Dangler earned All-RMAC First Team honors.

Dangler, alongside Bobbie Golik were key in the Mavericks back line, limiting opponents to just 9.6 shots per game. Just in front were All-RMAC Second Team and Honorable Mention members, Lexi Newton and Mikayla Eccher. Newton, started all 10-games contributing a pair of goals and four assists. Eccher aided on both sides of the field, tallying a goal and an assist – while logging the third most minutes on the pitch.

Scouting the Opponents
UTPB Falcons
Hailing from the Lone Star Conference, the Texas Permian Basin Falcons, ked by second year head coach Lynsey Winkler, enter Friday's contest voted 14^th in the LSC Preseason Coaches' Poll. They completed their portion of the spring season going 0-8-1, their draw following a 2-2 decision against Texas A&M International.
 
It will be a match up of reigning Freshman of the Year players, as Hayley Sawyer took home that recognition in the spring after being a primary starter for her team. Senior, midfielder Olivia

Rees accounted for three of the team's five goals last season, and returns to the Falcon roster this season.

Blair Woodward saw the most time defending the goal, playing in nine games, with eight starts recording 43 saves and a .652 save percentage.
In the overall series between the two teams, the Mavericks hold a 4-0 advantage. Back on Sept. 5, 2019, CMU took home a 4-1 victory in Odessa. Lexi Newton found the net just under 11-minutes into play to put the team ahead. After a Falcon equalizer in the 25^th-minute, Sydney Hathaway put her team back in front and starting a 3-0 run to give the team the win.

Western Oregon Wolves
Traveling from the Pacific Northwest and the Great Northwest Athletic Conference is Western Oregon, who played eight countable games in the spring posting a 3-7 record against GNAC opponents.

Camille Darland, Piper Matson and Alyssa Tomasini all recorded a goal for the Wolves throughout the season, each of the team's wins coming by three or more goals.

Morgan Mihelich saw the most time in the net, recording eleven saves. Emily Wheeler made four appearances in goal as well, notching 22 saves.
They were picked to finish fifth in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Preseason Poll. Sunday's contest will be the first meeting between the two.