In a lop-sided game the Westmont Warriors defeated the Baker University Wildcats (KS) 8-0 on the Warrior’s home field. Westmont’s youth was on display as sophomore Jane Wyche and freshman Brianna Russo each scored twice for the Warriors. Sophomores Jessica Schoepke, Anna Gropp and Katie Rhodes each contributed a single goal. The Wildcats (0-3) were outshot 45-2 in the contest.
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In the August heat at Cal State Bakersfield, the Warriors went 1-1 in the Roadrunner Classic. In losing to a strong Cal State San Bernardino team 3-0 on Saturday, Westmont was without the services of its two senior captains Katie Cates (out with an injury) and Kristi Peich. “The team played young,” said Head Coach Dan Ribbens, “we missed our senior leadership.”
On Monday, the Warriors faced the host Roadrunners with Peich back in the lineup and recorded a 3-1 victory. Fifty-eight seconds into the game, sophomore Anna Gropp stole a throw in on the Roadrunners end of the field and launched a curling ball from 30 yards away which slipped between the cross bar and the keeper.
For the third year in a row, the Westmont Women’s Soccer team has been ranked number one in the NAIA pre-season poll. The Warriors, who received 11 of 13 first place votes, have won the national championship in four of the last five years, including the last three.
Lindsey Wilson College (KY), whom Westmont defeated in the seventh overtime period of the 2003 NAIA Championship final, is ranked number two, receiving one first place vote. WIlliam Jewell College (MO), Westmont’s semifinal opponent in the 2003 Tournament, also received a first place vote and is ranked number three.
A familiar face to the Westmont soccer family has been tabbed to take over the women’s soccer program. Dan Ribbens will take the reins on a one year, interim basis. He replaces Mike Giuliano, who recently accepted the head coaching position at San Diego State.
“I am thrilled to have someone of Dan’s talents and experience as our new head women’s soccer coach,” said athletic director Dave Wolf. “He has been an intricate part of the Westmont soccer family for many years, and I’m extremely excited about his transition into this important position. I have full confidence in Dan’s ability to lead this incredible group of young women and I’m confident that the legacy of Westmont women’s soccer is in great hands.”