The Eagles are off to a flying start after wins over Northwest University, Bethesda College and Marymount College, in addition to their most recent shutout victory over Southern Oregon University they have all culminated to a fantastic 4-0 winning streak to open the season.

This is Biola’s best start in eight years. The streak is even more impressive given the amount of new players that have joined the team. Head coach Todd Elkins said that the team is trying to find identity as a team. He stated that this roster has a number of attackers, increasing competition between players to make them better.

READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

Before their match against Southern Oregon, sophomore midfielder McKenna Marmelstein said, “It’s going to be a tough game physically. [It is] non-conference, so they’re a really good team.”  

The Eagles stepped up and fired on all cylinders by dwarfing their opponents’ shot totals by a margin of 9-2. With that rate they connected twice in the second half and clamped down defensively to end the game 2-0. The match capped a series of home games launching them into a gauntlet of five away matches that feature three games played in Arizona.

“[We] have a tough road stretch,” Coach Elkins said. “Then conference, play has to increase, we have to improve.” Conference play starts on Sept. 23 with the last two games of that road trip. With notable matches against Westmont College, Master’s College and Vanguard University.

Biola has given up two goals while piling on 12 in their four game stretch, which includes two shutouts with an 8-0 romp of Bethesda. These performances have put them in second place in GSAC standings. But time will tell if the Eagles can keep up their run or if they will be grounded.    

The Eagles’ next match pits them against Our Lady of the Lake University on Sept. 13 in Prescott, Ariz.