The California State University, Stanislaus Women’s Soccer team opened up their season last Thursday with a 6-0 victory against Simon Fraser University at Warrior Stadium.
The Warriors were led by senior forward Karenee Demery, who got a hat trick in the first game of the season,  scoring the first 3 goals of the game, continuing her success from previous years. Allie Dugan scored the fourth goal, followed by two late goals by Vargas and Nebesnick capped off the scoring for the game.
The game was a great start to a season that many spectators believe to be one of high promise after the past success of previous seasons. The Warriors came into this season coming off six straight winning seasons and three straight postseason appearances.
“Last year’s success but being left out of the NCAA tournament has really served to motivate our team,” said Gabe Bolton, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer team. “The players are working extremely hard and we have really improved individually and as a team.”
The teams success isn’t going unnoticed by other teams in the conference. Every year, each head coach is asked who the favorite is at the beginning of the season and the Warriors took home that honor. Not only were the Warriors voted the favorite to win the North division over rival Sonoma State, but they were also voted the favorite to bring home the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship, something that eluded them last year after a loss in the CCAA Semifinals to University of California, San Diego.
“Being favored to win the CCAA isn’t something we have really discussed,” Bolton said. “It’s obviously an honor that the coaches in the conference think enough of us to vote us as the favorites. We will work very hard to prove them right.”
The Warriors are keeping a level head, looking to make this season as successful as possible.
With only 5 seniors on the roster, this young team can only improve as they gain experience. With growing expectations, the Warriors will continue to focus on one thing, another CCAA championship.