MATCH 7: SBU BEARCATS (4-1-1, 2-1) at EMPORIA STATE HORNETS (1-4-1, 1-2)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 • 4:00 PM
EMPORIA STATE PITCH • EMPORIA, KS

MATCH 8: SBU BEARCATS at WASHBURN LADY BLUES
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 • 6:00 PM
YAGER STADIUM • TOPEKA, KS

SBU NOTES | ESU NOTES | WU NOTES

EMPORIA, Kan. -- The SBU Bearcats continue on the longest road trip of the season this week, as they have a pair of matches in the state of Kansas; first a rematch against the Lady Hornets of Emporia State on Thursday, followed up with a visit to Washburn University on Saturday. The Bearcats dropped their first game this season last week, against Northwest Missouri State, but still rank fourth in the MIAA standings, just a half game behind Truman and Northwest Missouri for second. The Bearcats currently lead the conference in shots per game (16.4), and trail only conference leader Nebraska-Omaha in points (6.6/game), and goals (12). Junior forward Jaymye Ross is leading the Bearcat offense with nine points off three goals and three assists; Ross ranks second in all three categories. Forwards Shannon Roher and Taylor Vick and midfielder Kelly Isaac continue to support the attack.

THE COACHES AND THE ALL-TIME SERIES
Rob Podeyn is in his first season as Bearcat head coach (56-50-8 in seven years total), after leading the Northwood University (Texas) program since 2006, where he won two conference championships.
    
Hornet head coach Jim Schneiderhahn is looking to improve on last season's 4-15-1 record, and eighth place finish in the MIAA. SBU defeated Emporia State earlier this season, in Bolivar, 3-0, and has not lost to Emporia since the 2005 season opener. The Bearcats lead the all-time series against Emporia, 13-3-1.
    
Tim Collins is leading the Washburn Lady Blues for his seventh season. Collins, who was named head coach when Washburn began their women's soccer program in 2002, has led Washburn to two NCAA tournament appearances in the last three years. The SBU-Washburn series has been close as of late, with each team recording one win each, along with four ties over the last three seasons.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS & LADY BLUES
Emporia State is led on offense by freshman forward Ashley Hill. Hill has connected for three goals over six games so far, and ranks sixth in the MIAA in goals scored. Sophomore Sarah Anderson leads the Hornet midfielders, and has collected two assists this season, putting her eighth in the conference.
    
The Lady Blues have struggled early this season, collecting a 2-4 record at this point into the season, and are still looking for their first MIAA victory. Freshman midfielder Leah Talley has been a key to Washburn's success, scoring the game winning goals in both of their wins this season