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SAN ANTONIO – Following three exhibition matches, UTSA will finally open the regular season this weekend with a pair of road matches. The Roadrunners travel to Northwestern State for a 7 p.m. tilt on Friday and to Texas State for a 7:30 p.m. match on Sunday.
UTSA posted a 1-0-2 record in its three exhibition matches while preparing for the regular season. The Roadrunners drew Sam Houston State 1-1 on Aug. 5, then downed Houston Baptist 1-0 on Aug. 10 before playing Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to a 1-1 draw in a rain-shortened match two days later.
First-year head coach Derek Pittman has 23 returning letter winners to lead the way in 2018. The squad also welcomes seven newcomers to the fold, including one transfer. In addition to the newcomers on the field, coach Pittman will also coach alongside assistants Mark Hiemenz and Cameron Carter for the first time this weekend.
UTSA returns 86 percent of its scoring from last season, including both of its leading goal-getters.
Sophomore forward Ellis Patterson netted a team-high four goals and tallied one assist to lead the offensive attack last season. Senior midfielder Channing Machen scored thrice, while five other returns also found the back of the net once in 2017.
The Northwestern State Lady Demons were picked to finish 10th in the Southland Conference, following a 6-12-0 overall record, including an 2-9-0 mark in league action a year ago. The Lady Demons dropped its only exhibition match, a 3-0 decision at the hands of Little Rock last Saturday.
UTSA is 2-0 all-time against Northwestern State. The sides last met on Sept. 9, 2016, in San Antonio with the Roadrunners prevailing 3-1.
Meanwhile, Texas State opens its campaign Friday night at Louisiana State. TXST is picked to place second in the Sun Belt Conference, while a league-high four Bobcats earned preseason all-conference recognition.
Sunday will mark the fourth all-time meeting between the I-35 rivals. UTSA won the last meeting, 3-2 in overtime, on Sept. 14, 2014, in San Marcos.
Fans can follow along with UTSA's season by following the program on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for UTSAWSOC.
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