Valuable education

After experiencing their first victory of the season, a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nevada on Sept. 7, the Vikings were hopeful that a winning streak would follow.

In the five games since earning their lone victory of the season, Portland State (1-8-2) has been unable to return to the “W” column, losing their three subsequent matchups and battling to two draws in their most recent contests.

The victory over Nevada was head coach Laura Schott’s first of her coaching career, but the Vikings were unable to sustain any momentum as they were defeated in road games at Creighton and Drake.

The struggles continued when the Vikings suffered a 3-0 loss to the Oregon Ducks, but since that game, Coach Schott’s team has responded with solid play as they prepare to begin Big Sky Conference play. The Vikings traveled to Seattle and battled the Redhawks to a draw before tying Hawaii at home on Sept. 26.

“I think the team has drastically improved and I feel good about the direction we are headed,” Schott said.

The draw against a tough Hawaii squad may have been the Vikings most impressive outing this season. Though the overall numbers do not reflect much success for the team as a whole, some individuals are collecting some impressive stats.

Junior forward Dolly Enneking’s goal against the Redhawks brought her career total to nine, which places her fifth on the Portland State’s soccer all-time list. Enneking leads the Vikings with three goals this season.

At the other end of the pitch, junior goalkeeper Cris Lewis has 70 total saves on the year.

“We have faced tough opponents thus far and she has performed well,” Schott said of her goalie.

Lewis will likely top her performance from last season when she had 82 saves, and will likely add to her career total of 215.

The Vikings have one more non-conference game to get back on track before transitioning to Big Sky Conference play where they will hope to improve on their third place finish from last season.

They host Fresno State at the Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Center in Beaverton on Friday.

Recent and Upcoming Schedule

Sept. 12CreightonOmaha, Neb.3-1 (L)

Sept. 14DrakeDes Moines, Iowa3-1 (L)

Sept. 19OregonTualatin Hills Park and Recreation Center3-0 (L)

Sept. 21Seattle Seattle, Wash.(T)

Sept. 26Hawaii PCC-Rock Creek(T)

Oct. 5Fresno StateTualatin Hills Park and Recreation Center11 a.m.

Oct. 10Northern Colorado *Greeley, Colo.

*Big Sky Conference game