Women's Soccer Heads to Purdue Fort Wayne for Pivotal Matchup

ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies head to Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) this Saturday for an important conference matchup against the Mastodons as the final quarter of the conference schedule continues and postseason spots are on the line.

Oakland's last match came Sunday, Oct. 4, when the Golden Grizzlies played to a 0-0 draw with Robert Morris. Although the result was scoreless, the draw earned Oakland its second clean sheet of the season and its first conference points. Ella Shapiro and Isabella Bierod each registered two shots and one shot on goal, tying for the game highs in both categories.

Having allowed multiple goals in just one conference match, the Golden Grizzlies' defense has been lights out. Led by a rotating back line featuring Mia Tuka, Corinne Jenkins and Brae Cole, along with wingers Olivia Norton and Bella Haynes, Oakland has established itself as one of the conference's top defensive units.

On Saturday, Oakland will face PFW, which is also searching for its first conference win. With a 1-9-2 overall record and a 0-4-1 mark in Horizon League play, the Mastodons have not won a match since defeating Saint Xavier on Sept. 13. In their most recent outing, PFW fell 2-1 to IU Indy on Oct. 4.

With both teams experiencing offensive struggles, the biggest difference between the two squads has been PFW's defensive struggles as well. The Mastodons have allowed the second-most goals (10) in conference play and have surrendered multiple goals in nine separate matches.

Historically, Oakland has dominated its matchups against PFW, holding a 9-3-2 all-time record, with seven wins coming by two or more goals. Last year's meeting followed that trend, as Oakland earned a 3-1 home victory, scoring three unanswered goals to secure the win.

Both teams are in search of vital conference points, as a victory would provide three valuable points and could move either team up as many as three spots in the standings.

Catch the match at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Hefner Soccer Complex. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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Players Mentioned

#18 Isabella Bierod: F; 5' 3"; Sophomore

#25 Brae Cole: D/MF; 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior

#20 Bella Haynes: D; 5' 4"; Redshirt Freshman

#8 Olivia Norton: M; 5' 3"; Junior

#14 Mia Tuka: D; 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore

#16 Corinne Jenkins: D/MF; 5' 7"; Freshman

#15 Ella Shapiro: MF; 5' 8"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

#18 Isabella Bierod
: 5' 3"; Sophomore
: F

#25 Brae Cole
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior
: D/MF

#20 Bella Haynes
: 5' 4"; Redshirt Freshman
: D

#8 Olivia Norton
: 5' 3"; Junior
: M

#14 Mia Tuka
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Sophomore
: D

#16 Corinne Jenkins
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: D/MF

#15 Ella Shapiro
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Senior
: MF