SACRAMENTO, Calif.- Following a successful southern California road trip that saw the Hawks take on two of the state's best teams, the Cosumnes River Hawks return home today to play host to the Roadrunners of Butte College.
The Hawks (2-1-1) are coming off a split during their recent roadtrip, going 1-1 on the week following matches against Fresno City (won 2-1) and Cerritos (lost 2-1). CRC enters play this week with two wins over teams ranked in the CCCAA and national top 10 rankings, and a strong performance against the reigning CCCAA and national champion in Cerritos. CRC has been powered by a strong defense this season, led by sophomore defender Megan Gomez (pictured right) and freshman goalkeeper Anna Brown. Brown was named CRC's Student-Athlete of the Week last week following standout performances against Solano and Canyons.
After scuffling in the Mendocino tournament, Butte College (3-2-0) enters today's match on a two-game winning streak, following victories over Yuba and Big 8 conference foe American River College. The Roadrunners took both matches by wide margins, winning 4-1 in each contest. Tonight's match should be a good test for a young Hawks team that prides itself on its defense, given Butte's high-powered offense. Butte is led offensively by sophomore midfielder Serena Reynolds and freshman forward Caitlin McCoy. Of Butte's 12 goals this season, McCoy and Reynolds account for nine of them. Sophomore goalkeeper Cydney Cone has also performed better of late, holding Yuba and ARC to one goal apiece in her most recent victories.
This will be the Hawks only match of the week, as they'lre idle until they head to Evergreen Valley next week for their final nonconference match of the season. CRC returns home later this month on the 27th for their Big 8 home opener against Modesto Junior College.