RENO, Nev. – Nevada soccer opens its 2018 campaign this Friday when it hosts the University of Idaho at 5:30 p.m. at the Moana Springs Sports Complex. The Wolf Pack's opening weekend will conclude with a battle at UC Davis against the Aggies at 4 p.m.

Admission to the contest on Friday will be free, with the gates opening at 3 p.m. The park is located at 240 West Moana Lane in Reno.

"With the opening weekend about to kick off, our team is extremely excited to play," said head coach Erin Otagaki, who is entering her second year at the helm. "They have been training with a lot of energy and have been asked to be organized and disciplined tactically. We face two quality opponents in Idaho and UC Davis and we are looking forward to some great soccer this Friday and Sunday!"

With 12 true freshmen and 16 total newcomers, the Pack has a vastly different look from last season. Seniors Bryanna Wiehe, Angel Meriwether and Mackenzie Robinson will look to lead a young Nevada team looking to improve on its 2017 campaign.

Sophomore Jamie Flynn and freshman Kendal Stovall will serve as Nevada's goalkeepers in 2018. Stovall earned the start in the Pack's exhibition on Aug. 7 against the University of Pacific, when she helped Nevada earn a 3-0 victory. The Miliani, Hawai'i native recorded four saves on the afternoon.

Sophomore midfielder Hannah Souza stood out for the Pack against the Tigers, recording a goal and an assist on the afternoon. Freshman Mariah Jackson and Meriwether also scored for Nevada to cap its excellent scrimmage.

A plethora of freshman earned starts against Pacific, and will look to make an immediate impact for Nevada in their first season. Kendall Riley held down the defense with transfer Emelie Small, Wiehe and Robinson. Kylie Minamishin and Payton Lieb each prowled the midfield with Souza, while Olivia Carter joined Meriwether, and Eleanor Small at forward.

The Vandals are coming off an 8-9-2 campaign in 2017, where it defeated an injury-riddled Nevada squad 6-0 at home on Sept. 17. Idaho has added eight freshman to its team that the Pack faced last season.

UC Davis, coming off a four-win season in 2017 will be Nevada's first road opponent of the season. Three of its wins last season came on its home field.
Nevada's match at Moana on Friday will feature a food drive along with free admission. Bring your canned food to any of our donation barrels located at the park before the match.

Season and individual game tickets are available for the 2018 season. Visit NevadaWolfPack.com or call (775) 348-PACK for more information.