Friday, Oct. 11: Cascades (2-3-5, 6th in Pacific Division) at No. 2 Trinity Western Spartans (8-1-1, 2nd in Pacific Division), 5 p.m., Chase Office Field
Sunday, Oct. 13: Cascades vs. Spartans, 2 p.m., MRC Sports Complex
Webcast: CanadaWest.tv

The Cascades are on the right side of the Canada West playoff bubble – they're in sixth place in the Pacific Division, and six teams get in on the women's side. But if they're to make their perch a little less precarious, they'll need to earn a result or two against a tough opponent in the two-time reigning CW champion Spartans.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back after disappointing results last Sunday. The Cascades settled for a 1-1 tie with the UNBC Timberwolves on the road despite dominating in terms of possession and shot attempts. It was their fifth draw of the season, tied for the most in the conference with the Lethbridge Pronghorns. The Spartans, meanwhile, are coming off their first loss of the campaign by a 2-1 score to the Calgary Dinos, and subsequently fell from No. 1 to No. 2 in the U SPORTS national rankings.

"The season is so short, you don't have time to feel sorry for yourself," UFV head coach Rob Giesbrecht noted. "You've got to learn lessons quick and apply them quick. This season it seems we're being taught lesson after lesson, and you've got to live in the moment. You can't worry about points dropped in the past – you've got to go after the points available on the day.

"TWU is a perennial power in Canada West and U SPORTS, and they're gearing up for a desired post-season run. We expect them to be in good form. We know for us to have the best opportunity to get something from these games, we'll have to be focused on limiting their opportunities while playing with a competitive toughness and confidence that allows us to assertive in our attack."

Players to watch: The Cascades have been energized by an outstanding rookie class this season, and one of those first-year standouts has been left back Alanna Sydenham. The Surrey, B.C. product has brought great skill and a high level of competitiveness to the pitch this season, and she'll be key part of the effort to slow down the most potent offensive attack in the conference. The Spartans average a CW-best 2.80 goals per game, and fifth-year forward/midfielder Rachel Hutchinson is highly influential. She's racked up four goals and four assists in 10 games this season.