Riding a four-game unbeaten streak, the Fresno State women's soccer team opens Western Athletic Conference play this Friday, Sept. 30 on their home turf at 7 p.m. The Bulldogs then travel to CSU Bakersfield for the first of a three-game road stint.

About the University of Idaho (4-5-2)
Head Coach Pete Showler is in his 7th season with Idaho. He boasts a 32-78-5 record over the first six years with the Vandals. A key player to watch is Chelsea Small. The junior has scored six goals this season and leads the team in goals, points (13) and shots (40). Idaho is a member of the Western Athletic Conference.

About CSU Bakersfield (2-6-1)
Head Coach Melissa Phillips is in her first year with the Roadrunners. CSU Bakersfield picked up both its wins at home. A key player to watch is Kassi Massey. The senior, and Bakersfield, Calif. native, leads the team in goals (3) and points (6). CSU Bakersfield is affiliated with the NCAA Division I level but independent of conference membership.

Putting Away the Vandals
Fresno State is undefeated against Western Athletic Conference rival Idaho, leading the series 7-0, including the 3-0 record Bulldog Head Coach Brian Zwaschka has against the Vandals. The last time the two programs met was in the 2010 WAC tournament on Nov. 4 when the 'Dogs won the match 3-0. Fresno State has a 12-0 goal advantage.

Road Rash for Roadrunners
Leading the series 4-1-2 overall, Fresno State has been undefeated (1-0-1) against CSU Bakersfield under coach Zwaschka. The battle between the programs dates back to the late '90's. Their last match ended in a double overtime tie (0-0) on Oct. 7, 2010 in Bakersfield.

Bulldogs vs. The WAC
Fresno State is 69-47-16 against Western Athletic Conference opponents all-time. Since taking the helm of the Bulldogs, Zwascka has a 9-8-3 record in conference action. The match against Idaho will be the first WAC competition in 2011 for the Bulldogs.

More Than A Number, A National Name
Fresno State sits in the top 18-percentile in the country for shutout percentage. The Bulldogs are also ranked top 100 in save percentage (72) and scoring offense (73). There are two student-athletes ranked individually. Senior Molly Nizzoli is tied for 8th in the nation for assists (7) and 16th in assists per game (0.64). Freshman Katie DeVaultis tied for 12th in total saves, is 25th in goalie minutes played and in the top 85 for save percentage (0.819).

Sweeps Week
For the first time in program history, the Fresno State women's soccer team swept the WAC weekly honors. Sophomore defenders Lauren Lindstrom and Kayla Kret were named WAC Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for Sept. 19-25. The Bulldogs fought for 206 minutes to earn their 1-0-1 finish over the weekend and both Lindstrom and Kret were on the pitch for the full 206. The team is currently on a four-game undefeated streak after notching two wins and two ties. Lindstrom scored the game winning goal against Cal Poly (Sept. 24) just 6:13 into overtime. Kret, another starter on the defense that held No. 8 Pepperdine scoreless for 108 minutes, headed in the game-tying goal with 18 minutes remaining in the second half.

Leaders of the Pack
At the end of week one, the Fresno State women's soccer team led the Western Athletic Conference in five categories: points (10.5), goals (6), goals per game (3.00), assists (9) and assists per game (4.50). The Bulldogs currently lead the WAC in goals per game (1.91), assists (22) and assists per game (2.00). The Bulldogs are second in points (64), goals (21), saves (69) and corners (62), while committing the lowest number of fouls (81). Fresno State holds the game-high in team assists for 2011 with six (Aug. 21 vs UTSA).

Now That's Using Your Head
The Bulldogs have scored a header goal in four of their last five matches. Senior Molly Nizzoli has assisted three of the goals off corner kicks. The noggin nudgers include sophomores Kayla Kret (at UCLA Sept. 11, vs. No. 8 Pepperdine Sept. 25) and Lauren Lindstrom (at Air Force Sept. 18) and freshman Jaycee Bingham (at Colorado College Sept. 16). Lindstrom assisted Bingham's goal by serving it from the right side.

High Endurance Not A Challenge
Several Bulldogs have put in serious minutes on the pitch. Out of 1,056 mins of gametime, senior Kendall VanDine and sophomore Kayla Kret have played the full 1,056 for the 'Dogs this year. Senior Molly Nizzoli, sophomore Lauren Lindstrom and freshman Katie DeVault have also each put in 90 minutes or more in nine of the 11 matches.

Bulldogs in Extra Minutes
Fresno State boasts a 1-0-3 record in overtime matches. The 'Dogs tied No. 8 Pepperdine 1-1 (Sept. 25) in double overtime less than 48 hours after pulling out the 3-2 overtime win over Cal Poly on Sept. 24. Other matches in extra minutes include:

Sept. 16: at Colorado College, 1-1 Tie (2OT)
Aug. 28: at No. 21 Loyola Marymount, 0-0 Tie (2OT)

In 2010, the Bulldogs took eight games into extra minutes, including a streak of three consecutive overtime matches. This year the Bulldogs are 0-0-2 in overtime matches compared to 2-2-4 a year ago.

Going Streaking
Fresno State is on a four-game unbeaten streak with two wins and two ties under its belt. The last two matches have ended in overtime.

Facing the Crème de la Crop
The Bulldogs have already faced off against four nationally ranked teams this year. Against top teams in the country, the 'Dogs have a 0-2-2 record. Their last match against a ranked opponent ended in a tie (Sept. 25).

"We Are Your Team!" Look out for the Bulldogs big promotion during their next home match against No. 8 Pepperdine on Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. Every fan in attendance will receive a prize. You can always stay connected with Fresno State Athletics on Facebook (fresnostateathletics) and Twitter (@FSAthletics).

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