After Friday’s 1-0 win over Big East opponent Liberty, the Quinnipiac Bobcats (3-6 overall, 2-0 BIG EAST) will look to continue to find success at home on Sunday against the California Golden Bears (5-3 overall, 1-0 America East). The Golden Bears come in on a four-game winning streak, with wins against Bryant, Northeastern, Pacific, and Fairfield. In this span, they have outscored their opponents 17-3. The Bobcats will attempt to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, as they try to gain some momentum going into the latter part of the season.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Kiera Godusky (Senior Defender)
As a veteran on the team, Godusky has played every single minute for the Bobcats this season. She will need to continue to be a force defensively against the Golden Bears. California has been a dynamic offense so far this season, racking up a total of 130 shots this year in eight games. It will be crucial for the Bobcats to shut down the Golden Bears’ offense and Godusky will be at the helm for them. Expect her to lead Quinnipiac and prevent the scoring chances from California in order to give the Bobcats a chance for a win.
California – Megan Rodgers (Freshman Forward)
The first-year superstar is off to a hot start for California with nine goals and two assists. Rodgers netted two goals in the team’s last victory against Fairfield, and will look to continue to add on to her team-leading totals in goals and points. She came into this weekend ranked eighth in the country in goals per game (1.000) and her two tallies on Friday will increase that percentage. Friday’s game was the third time in their last four games that Rodgers scored multiple goals in a game. She will look to continue to be the go-to scorer for the Golden Bears.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac – Contain Rodgers
It’s easy to see that Rodgers is the dynamic scorer for the Golden Bears. The next best in goals is a three-way tie between Katrina Carter, Melina Moore, and Gabi Jimenez, who each have three goals. The Quinnipiac defense is coming off a shutout and will absolutely need to keep that zero in mind against the California offense. However, they have given up an average of 14.6 shots per game, and California averages 16.3 shots per game. Cutting the shot count will be a major component for the Bobcats as well, especially with Rodgers.
California – Continue the stout defense
The Golden Bears’ defense has been a big reason for the Golden Bears recent success. Only giving up three goals in their last four games is no easy accomplishment, but sophomore goalie Danielle Mentink and the defense will try to maintain their star defensive play. The Bobcats struggle to get shots on net, only averaging 8.8 shots per game, and the Golden Bears have done an excellent job of limiting the opponent’s opportunities, averaging 9.6 shots per game. If the defense can hold the Bobcats to nothing offensively, it will give the Golden Bears the momentum they need, allowing Rodgers and the offense to do their job.
The Game
Tune into the QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac vs. California from the Field Hockey Turf Complex in Hamden at noon. Bryan Schwartz and Bryan Murphy will be on the call for the game. For updates on the game, make sure to follow our @QBSN team on Twitter: @bryanschwartz15 and @bryan_murphy10.
Link to the game: http://quinnipiacbobcats.com/watch/?Live=411&type=Live.
