The Arizona Wildcats dropped out of the top 25 after its heartbreaking overtime loss to the Washington Huskies last Sunday, despite winning its second match against a top-25 team this season, defeating previously ranked No. 15 Washington State. The ‘Cats hope to rebound from the loss as they round up their three-game road trip against Utah on Friday. 

Arizona has yet to lose back-to-back games this year, as the team has responded from each of its four losses this year with a win in the following match. The Wildcats are 8-4 and 2-3 in conference play so far while currently sitting at sixth in the Pac-12. 

Utah went to California last week and lost both of its matches against USC and UCLA, moving it’s overall record to 6-5-3 (1-2-2) and are No.9 in the Pac-12. 

The strength of this Utah team is certainly the defense, as all of the Utes’ games this year have been relatively low-scoring. They rank last in the conference in goals scored with 12 but are fourth in goals allowed and have put up a shutout in all of its six wins this season. 

Arizona’s offense has been powered by its forwards this year, with Brooke Wilson, Jada Talley and Jill Aguilera combining for over half the team’s total goals with 15, Wilson leading the squad with six. 

What to watch for this weekend:

The battle of the goalkeepers

Both teams are armed with a talented goalkeeper, so Friday nights’ matchup is sure to be filled with game-saving highlights in net. True freshman Hope Hisey has solidified herself as the Wildcats’ starter after her stellar performances against the opposing Pac-12 teams. Hisey has recorded four clean sheets this year, including shutouts against No. 16 UCLA and No. 15 Washington State. 

Utah’s goalkeeper Carly Nelson is equally dominant as she leads the conference in saves with 68. Nelson also led the conference in saves last season with 92. 

Friday’s game in Salt Lake City is scheduled for 7 p.m on the Pac-12 Network.