BYU Cougars
West Coast
After a slow start to the 2014 season the Brigham Young University women’s soccer team has grown immensely and has learned how to win closely contested matches during West Coast Conference play. This ability to find ways to win tight matches will only help the Cougars during the NCAA Tournament as goals will be at more of a premium.
2014 Record: 13-4-3, 7-1-1
Coach: Jennifer Rockwood
Good Results: 8/29 at Tennessee (1-0), 10/23 Santa Clara (5-2)
Bad Results: 9/1 Baylor (1-2), 9/5 at Utah (0-1)
Why They Can Surprise:
This is a very confident Cougar side right now as there is something to be said for a team playing its best soccer heading into the postseason. The ability to get into higher scoring matches is a plus for Brigham Young as they have a balanced offensive attack led sophomore forward Ashley Hatch, who is one of the top point producers in the nation. If teams try to double or triple team Hatch in the NCAA Tournament that will leave midfielder Elena Medeiros and forwards Niki Fernandes and Michele Murphy open for quality scoring chances. Defensively, senior goalkeeper Katherine Snyder has been outstanding and gives the BYU defense a lot of confidence. Also, if the Cougars are fortunate enough to host for a couple of rounds, that will be a big advantage. They have great crowd support at South Field and have the advantage of playing at altitude.
Why They Can Disappoint:
The Cougars could disappoint if they fall behind early and end up having to chase the game offensively and expose themselves in the back. Thus, the ability to get off to a fast start will be very crucial for Brigham Young during the NCAA Tournament. The key to a fast start will be finishing quality scoring chances. If they don’t, then it will be a tough battle for the Cougars in order for them to advance in the NCAA Tournament. Another potential issue would be if they had to go on the road and travel to a hostile ACC or SEC venue. Travel in the NCAA Tournament anywhere is not easy especially from Provo, Utah.
Key Strikers:
Ashley Hatch, Sophomore, 18 goals, 6 assists
Michele Murphy, Sophomore, 6 goals, 6 assists
Niki Fernandes, Senior, 5 goals, 7 assists
Key Midfielders:
Elena Medeiros, Sophomore, 5 goals, 7 assists
Marissa Nimmer, Junior, 4 goals, 5 assists
Elisabeth Phillips, Freshman, 3 goals, 2 assists
Key Defenders:
Annie Amos, Senior, 0 goals, 0 assists
Taylor Campbell Isom, Freshman, 0 goals, 1 assist
Key Goalkeepers:
Katherine Snyder, Senior, 0.80 goals against average, .729 save percentage, 5 shutouts
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 2.37 (21st in nation, 1st in conference)
Goals-Against Average: 0.763 (44, 2)
Shutout Percentage: .526 (35, 1)
Save Percentage: .766 (184, 7)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 First Round Defeated Weber State
2013 Second Round Lost to Colorado
2012 First Round Defeated Utah State
2012 Second Round Defeated Auburn
2012 Third Round Defeated Marquette
2012 Quarterfinals Lost to North Carolina
2010 First Round Lost to UCLA
2009 First Round Defeated UC Santa Barbara
2009 Second Round Lost to Stanford
2008 First Round Defeated Virginia Tech
2008 Second Round Lost to USC
2007 First Round Lost to Texas
2006 First Round Lost to Portland
*all team stats through 11/2
See All Women’s Soccer Postseason Capsules
