SARAH CUMMING –
The Red Raider soccer team wraps up their regular season schedule tomorrow, and if you haven’t been watching them this season: 1. What are you doing? 2. Kirsten Davis is a beast and 3. You don’t want to miss tomorrow’s game vs #8 TCU.
The 4-3-1 Red Raiders (11-4-2 overall) host the #8 Horned Frogs, who lead the Big 12 with a 6-1-1 record (14-2-1 overall), at the John Walker Soccer Complex.
If Halloween weekend wasn’t spooky enough, TCU’s squad is scary good. They haven’t lost or ended in a draw since September 30.
Unsurprisingly, the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year, Grace Collins is the driving force behind the Horned Frogs. The junior forward has notched eight goals (T-3rd in the Big 12) this season, with four being game winners (T-1st in the Big 12 with TTU’s Ashleigh Williams). Collins also ranks in the top 10 in the Big 12 in points, assists, shots, and shots on goal.
Her teammate, senior forward Messiah Bright, ranks in the top three in the Big 12 in goals with nine, second to none other than Tech’s fearless leader, Kirsten Davis. Her 14 goals rank the Texas Tech captain tied for fourth in Division I. (If she scores one goal, she’ll be tied for first with three other players).
Davis has been all gas, no brakes all season long. The graduate forward set program records for second most career goals, points, and assists, only behind the legendary gold medalist, Janine Beckie.
Fiery freshmen have pushed Tech to victory, mainly forward Ashleigh Williams and defender Macy Blackburn. Williams is among Collins and three others for third in goals with eight. Her speed and stamina mirror that of Davis, which allows her to strike between the pipes. The Red Raiders go-to set up gal, Blackburn, backs the speedsters with nine assists (T-2nd in the Big 12).
However, Texas Tech will have to get through sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Kellett, who tops the conference in goals allowed average, limiting TCU’s opponents to .559 goals per match thanks to her 60 saves.
After tomorrow’s match both teams head to Round Rock for the Big 12 Championship, for an eight team tournament. TCU is currently seeded 1, with Tech at 4. In the opening round, Texas Tech is slated to face the 5 seed, West Virginia. Seeding will be finalized after the results from tomorrow’s matches.
Tune in to all the fun and fright on the pitch tomorrow at 7:15 CT, on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.