By Amanda Egbert
The time has come for the Cougars to perform. One loss could halt the nationally-ranked and respected team''s season early, while one win could push them forward, continuing toward the college cup in College Station, Texas.
The BYU women''s soccer team opens the NCAA Tournament facing Weber State at 4:30 p.m. today in Ute Stadium.
'I think our draw is great,' midfielder Natalie Nate said. 'There are a lot of great teams in our bracket, and we definitely can''t overlook Weber State. But our team is ready and focused for this weekend.'
BYU triumphed over Weber State 5-1, outshooting the Wildcats 18-5, during the regular season and leads the series record against Weber 9-0. Despite BYU''s success, Weber is not to be underestimated.
'Weber State has had a great year since we have played them,' BYU head coach Jennifer Rockwood said. 'They have gone on to win a lot of games, so they are going to be coming into this game with a lot of confidence. I am sure they are looking forward to playing us as much as we are playing them.'
The Wildcats finished regular season and conference play with a 14-4-1 record. Weber State succeeded in winning 13 of its last 14 games.
BYU starting goalkeeper Erika Woodbury and the Cougar defense must drop, block and communicate to shut down Weber State''s offensive attack.
Leading offensive players for the Wildcats are Rochelle Hoover, with 11 goals and seven assists, and teammate Linsey McFarland, not far behind with 10 goals and nine assists.
'Weber is always a very good battle,' Rockwood said. 'They get up for us. They have been playing very well and had a very good run through their conference.'
After struggling in conference play, the Cougars have an opportunity to redeem their record, justify their No. 17 national ranking and seeded position in the NCAA Tournament, and climb their way to the top.
'We played a tough regular-season schedule and had some good success against some great opponents,' Rockwood said. 'I think that is what set us up. We did not do what we wanted to do in conference overall, but I think we have learned some good lessons. Hopefully we can learn from some of those and they can make us better.'
Rockwood believes BYU''s Mountain West Conference experience was a wake-up call for the team. With a new fire, the Cougars have restored the same effort, excitement and intensity they began the season with.
The Cougars have never lost a game in Ute Stadium. Senior midfielders Jamie Beck and Charlene Lui are anticipating their return to Ute Stadium, the beginning site for BYU''s run to the Elite Eight in 2003. Beck tallied 10 goals this season and is closely followed by teammates Bobbi Tillotson, who scored six goals, Katie Larkin and Jessica Aquino.
The University of Utah will play Arizona following the BYU game. The winners of each game will return to Ute Stadium Saturday for the second round of the NCAA Tournament.