BILLINGS, Mont. -- A new of era of Montana State University Billings women's soccer begins this weekend as the 2011 edition of the Jackets kick off their season by hosting the Ninth Annual MSU Billings Cup Presented by Best Western Clock Tower Inn.

 

The Yellowjackets begin the weekend with a meeting against Colorado Christian University on Friday afternoon at 4 p.m., and then take on Southwest Minnesota State Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The tournament will conclude with a neutral site match between CCU and SWMSU Sunday at 4 p.m.

 

MSUB is looking to build off a 13-6-1 season a year ago and will look to return to the NCAA tournament where they knocked out Cal State L.A. in the first round before bowing out in the second round. The Yellowjackets will also be under new guidance for the first time in 10 years on Friday.

 

Making his head coaching debut will be interim head coach Wojtek Krakowiak. Stepping in after the departure of Don Trentham, Krakowiak has a wealth of experience returning to his squad, giving them a great chance to return to the tournament and challenge for a conference title.

 

The Yellowjackets were 2-0-1 in the preseason, earning a draw in their first match against Northwest College. Krakowiak used a mixture of players throughout the preseason to determine starting roles, but with so many top performances, he should have the option of different looks to keep opposing teams on their heels.

 

Sophomore Heidi Greenback was the leading scorer on last year's team with seven goals and three assists and will look to repeat her performance from her freshman season. Juniors Jaucelyn Richter and Jennifer Larsen also return after accumulating 11 points each last season.

 

The back line will look to continue their tough play after losing seniors Samantha Boehm and Lauren Anderson. Sophomore Whitney Siler and Larsen will look to juniors Adrienne Biglow and Courtney Harvey to step in and make an impact as possible starters.

 

Colorado Christian is looking to rebound from a 4-14-3 record a season ago and a 2-9-3 record in conference. CCU was picked 10^th in the preseason Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference poll.

 

This will be just the third meeting between the Yellowjackets and the Cougars as the two sides have split with the all-time record at 1-1. MSUB won the second meeting, defeating CCU last season in Golden, Colo., by the score of 4-1.

 

The Mustangs are entering 2011 after a 1-11-4 season overall and a 0-9-4 record in the Northern Sun in 2010. SWMSU was picked to finish 14^th this year in their conference.  

 

This will be the first contest between the Mustangs and Yellowjackets.

 

Both games this weekend can be seen on the web by using the webstream link at msubsports.com. Fans can also access live stats on the website as well.