GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Davenport University women's soccer heads into week two with an undefeated record (2-0) as regional action continues in a pair of top-10 regional matchups.

Haley Diekevers tabbed her first goals of the season, the second being a penalty kick against the Hawks that moved her up the all-time leaderboards in four categories: t-sixth for total goals (22), sixth for game-winning goals (seven), t-seventh for points (50), and t-second for career PKs (two). Elizabeth Wolter had a career week in her collegiate debut, making four saves on 12 shots faced and holding both opponents scoreless.

Before head coach Joe White arrived in 2023, the Panthers had finished opening weekend with multiple wins and an undefeated record in two other seasons; 2011 and 2012. 2023 and 2024 now mark the third and fourth seasons that DU has accomplished this feat since the program was established in 2006. 

With history being made individually and as a program, the Panthers will look to expand on their early success as non-conference play resumes this week.

Northwood Matchup
Sept. 12 will end a nearly-three-year drought since Northwood and DU last faced off when the Panthers stole a road win (3-1) and improved the historical series to 6-1 all-time (4-1 away).

Northwood was tabbed at No. 2 in the G-MAC Preseason Poll (two first-place votes) after being crowned the 2023 Great Midwest Tournament champion and receiving a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. However, their national title hopes fell short after a 3-2 loss to Cedarville in the first round.

Carly Boyd and Brooke Honeycutt led the Wolves to the first win of 2024 after a goal from each player gave Northwood a 2-1 edge over California University of Pennsylvania on Sept. 8. The pair were the team's second and third-leading scorers in 2023 and are likely to be leaned on in that category this year. First-year transfer Grace Caywood started as the keeper in the win, making two saves and allowing a goal in her debut.

The Timberwolves are No. 8 in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Poll this week and will host the Panthers for their home opener on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Cedarville Matchup
The Jackets are still looking for their first win of the season (0-1-1) after a 2-2 draw with Ferris State on Sept. 5 and dropping a 1-0 decision to then-No. 7 Grand Valley State on Sept. 7. Cedarville fell from their previous No. 5 rank in the NCAA DII Midwest Region, but managed to secure No. 10 going into this week.

Tabbed to finish No. 3 in the G-MAC Preseason Poll, Cedarville's stronger opening in 2023 led to a 14-3-1 regular season where the Jackets suffered tournament exits to Ashland in the conference tournament semifinals and in the second round of the NCAA DII Midwest Regionals - finishing 16-5-1 overall after clinching a national tournament berth for the third-straight year.

Experience and a promising freshman class shape Cedarville's 2024 roster, including senior midfielder Megan McClish. McClish was the NCCAA National Player of the Year, G-MAC Offensive Player of the Year, and D2CCA Midwest Region Player of the Year honors a season ago. 2023 NCCAA All-Americans in senior defender Carlie Stutzman and graduate keeper Brooke Ackley look to continue anchoring the defensive third for the Jackets this year.

DU will host the first-ever meeting against the Jackets for the Panthers' 2024 home opener.

Live Coverage
Thursday, Sept. 12 at Northwood (Noon) - Live Video (Great Midwest Network) - Live Stats
Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Cedarville (2 PM) - Live Video (FloSports) - Live Stats