MATCH #5
Western Oregon (2-2) vs. Oregon Tech (2-4)
Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at 3 p.m. PT
Monmouth, Ore. — WOU Soccer Field
LIVE STATS/VIDEO
 
MATCH #6
Western Oregon (2-2) at Western Washington (3-0-1)
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at 4 p.m. PT
Bellingham, Wash. — Harrington Field
LIVE STATS/VIDEO
 
Coming home after a three-match road trip in California, the Western Oregon women's soccer team host its final non-league match before heading on the road to begin Great Northwest Athletic Conference action. On Wednesday (Sept. 14), WOU hosts in-state opponent Oregon Tech at 3 p.m. Then, the Wolves will begin league play at Western Washington on Saturday (Sept. 17) at Harrington Field beginning at 4 p.m.
 
KASTELIC TESTED IN TURLOCK
Two attacking offenses kept WOU's keeper Caitlin Kastelic busy over the weekend after she netted her second career shutout earlier in the week. Kastelic made six saves, two late in the match, as the Wolves beat Academy of Art las Wednesday to improve to 2-0 on the season. On Friday, she faced 25 total shots and made 12 saves against Stanislaus State. Closing out play on Sunday against Fresno Pacific, Kastelic kept the Sunbirds off the board for over 75 minutes, but a pair of rapid goals marred a nine-save performance. For the year, she had made 34 saves and has posted a 1.00 goals against average.

FAMILIARITY AND SOMETHING NEW
The Wolves' roster in 2016 features 15 letterwinners from last year's roster, but only three starters that appeared in ever match. Seniors Mariah Konyn (1 goal, 2 assists), Taylor Higa (2 goals, 2 assists) and Dani Payne (1 goal) will see returning reserves assume starting spot and featured newcomers to bolster the WOU attack. Allison Sprecher is the club's returning leader in scoring with three goals over 17 matches. Highlighting the newcomers is Salem native Meli Cortez, who returns to the Willamette Valley after playing two seasons at Division I Idaho. Youth will also be prevalent for the Wolves as 10 freshmen comprise nearly half the roster.
 
YOUTH IN GOAL
Speaking of the freshmen, two will be charged with protecting shots from opponents this year for WOU - Caitlin Kastelic (Hillsboro) and Samantha Harris (Tualatin). Kastelic was a three-time league selection at Glencoe High School while Harris anchored the back line for perennial power Tualatin.
 
SISTER, SISTER
Mariah Konyn will have a familiar familial face with her on the WOU women's soccer team this season as her sister, Selene Konyn, joins the squad. Selene was a Midwestern League 1st-team selection, 2nd-team all-Oregon honors and a product of the Eugene Timbers Futbol Club.
 
SPLIT WEEK UPCOMING, YOUTH DAY & MEET THE WOLVES
GNAC play continues as Western Oregon travels to Montana State Billings on Thursday, Sept. 22 before coming home for home match on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. against Northwest Nazarene. The match on the 24^th will be Youth Soccer Day – all kids in a soccer uniform get in for free and we will have prizes from U.S. Youth Soccer. Fans will also have a chance to Meet the Wolves with an autograph signing after the match. 
 
ABOUT OREGON TECH
The Owls (2-4) have lost their last three matches overall, including a pair of 2-1 losses to Lewis & Clark College and Willamette (in overtime). This match with Western Oregon will be the last tune-up before the team dives in Cascade league play on Sept. 23 against Northwest Christian. Cassidy Gosvener leads the Owls with three goals and two assists. Megan Green and Jenna Stiehr have splt time between the posts.
 
All-time Series: Western Oregon leads 2-0
Last Meeting: 2012, Western Oregon won 3-0 in Monmouth

ABOUT WESTERN WASHINGTON
Defending GNAC champion and NCAA national semifinalist Western Washington has gone unbeaten in four matches heading into the week. The Vikings will have a non-league matchup against UC San Diego on Wednesday before hosting WOU this weekend. WWU won its last match in extra time, 1-0, over Notre Dame de Namur on a golden goal from Gabriela Pelogi. Western Washington has dominated teams in overall shots by a 114-20 advantage. Liv Larson leads the club with two goals in four matches.
 
All-time Series: Western Washington leads 34-6-1
Last Meeting: 2015, Western Washington won 1-0 in Monmouth