Sept. 17, 2008

LAS VEGAS -

UNLV weekly soccer notes

Ranked for the first time in school history (No. 25 in Soccer America), the UNLV women's soccer team returns home for the first time in three weeks to host the UNLV Rebel Classic this weekend. With a tournament field that features Idaho, Niagara, and Robert Morris, the Rebels will look to keep alive its unbeaten streak at home, which currently stands at a record 12 games. Competition will begin on Friday, with Idaho and Niagara kicking off at 4:30 pm, followed by UNLV and Robert Morris at 7 pm. Sunday's action will see Idaho and Robert Morris play at 9 am, with UNLV and Niagara playing at 11:30 am.

Most impressive about UNLV's start to the season (6-1-1, which ties for best in school history) is that six of the eight games have been away from Las Vegas. In fact, the Rebels will play 11 of its 19 regular season games away from home in 2008. Leading the way has been Las Vegas native Ashleigh Shoughro, with a team-high nine points (four goals, one assist).

UNLV's first opponent will be Robert Morris, who brings a 2-3 record into Friday's game, which includes three straight losses after beginning the year with wins over Youngstown State and Howard. The Colonials have struggled in scoring this year, having posted a total of five goals, all by five different players. Caitlin Dilal meanwhile has turned in a 1.6 GAA in the net with 32 saves.

The Rebels then close out the tournament against Niagara (5-1), who brings a five-game win streak into Las Vegas. The Purple Eagles are led this year by Stephanie Gartley with five goals, while Laura Kimoto has four goals and an assist for nine points. Three goalies have seen time, with Ashleigh Bowers boasting a 0.95 GAA with 23 saves.