GCU to play 2 in Hawaii tournament

In its final week of nonconference games this season, the Grand Canyon women's soccer team is in Hawaii for the Rainbow Wahine Shootout in Manoa. GCU (3-7) faces North Dakota State (2-3) on Thursday at 10 p.m. (Arizona time) and Hawaii (3-3-1) on Sunday at 8 p.m. at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Stadium.

Scouting Grand Canyon
With four goals in the past two home matches, senior midfielder McKenzie Cook is tied for fourth in the WAC for goals scored.

Senior Kelsey Smith had three assists against Portland State to equal her career high from a 2015 game. Senior goalkeeper Abby Burton notched 10 more saves last week and is currently second in the WAC and tied for 16th in the country with 52 saves.

GCU and North Dakota State met once previously with the Lopes losing 2-1 in 2015. GCU also lost 2-1 in its previous meeting with Hawaii last year.

Scouting North Dakota State
Last week, North Dakota State lost at Minnesota 4-0 but rebounded with a 2-1 win at home against Northern Iowa.

Sophomore Brookelyn Dew scored the game-winning goal against Northern Iowa in the 88th minute. The Bison had games against Wisconsin and Weber State canceled due to weather.

Last season, North Dakota State went 8-11 overall and was tied for third in the Summit League with a 5-2 record. The Bison lost to Denver in the Summit League Championship title match.

Scouting Hawaii
Last week, Hawaii tied with Nevada 1-1 and lost 2-0 to San Francisco on the road. Goalkeeper Alexis Mata is second in the Big West in saves (42) and fourth in the conference for save percentage (80.4).

Raisa Strom-Okimoto and Leialoha Medeiros are tied for the team lead with three goals apiece. Hawaii had a tournament canceled due to weather at the end of August.

Last season, the Rainbow Wahine went 6-10-1 and finished last in the Big West with a 1-6-1 record. Ten newcomers joined a team with eight returning starters.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Abby Burton

McKenzie Cook

Kelsey Smith

Grand Canyon University Athletics