Much like last year, Grand Canyon University and UC Santa Barbara are the teams to beat in the DI Pacific Desert conference, and they’re hurtling toward each other for a Feb. 16 showdown.
The 'Lopes look familiar in some regards, as a handful of founding players are still leading on the pitch, but there are some key changes to the Arizona program.
By Jackie Finlan
Jessica Carpenter is the new head coach, and the fact that she’s in this position came as a surprise to the University of Arizona (’16) graduate. Carpenter had approached the GCU Club Sports staff about a volunteer position with the team, and the ask coincided with an assistant coach vacancy. After a fall pre-season, Carpenter, who has a full-time job as an account manager at FedEx, was offered the head coaching role, and she graciously accepted.
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Carpenter inherited a smaller squad—approximately 22 players—that has loads of talent.
“The experience and willingness to do whatever it takes to have a winning season is what makes this group of girls special,” Carpenter praised. “Each and every one of the girls puts in the work every week to ensure the team keeps getting better and they all bring something unique to the team.
“Specifically, Jasmine Fifer, the captain of the team, has made a huge impact this year,” the coach called out the founding member. “She constantly pushes the team to bring their best and is certainly a crowd pleaser when she steps on the field.”
Carpenter also pointed to Kaley Lightfoot and Kat Lazante as notable veterans. They set the tone for hard work, positive attitude, and versatility, with the ability to play both forward and back positions depending on the need.
Also new to Grand Canyon is a quartet of Kahuku High School graduates. Now college freshmen, Akenese Tito, Sachi Williams, Amber Falemalu and Taylor Marasco all helped the Raiders to a 2018 Girls High School National Invitational Tournament title.
“[P]layers like Akenese, Sachi, Amber and Taylor are hard to find. They are an incredibly talented group of girls and we are lucky to have them,” Carpenter enthused. “They bring a spark to the team both on and off the field and they all have undeniably bright personalities.”
Grand Canyon is currently 3-0 in the DI Pacific Desert conference, having defeated Carpenter’s alma mater 68-0, UCLA 36-12 and Arizona State 51-12. After a gap week, the Lopes will host UC Santa Barbara, which is also 3-0.
“I do feel good about the UCSB match,” Carpenter previewed. “But we know that UCSB is going to the present the biggest challenge of the season yet. It’s all about preparation, determination and focus. As long as we stick to our structure and stay focused and work extremely hard, we will come out on top.”
The league season will finish with CSU Northridge and UC San Diego, and then conference playoffs will commence April 6-7. The DI spring regional championships will occur April 19-21.
“I am super excited about how well this team is playing this year, even through some adversity. I believe, and I think the team will agree, that we still have a lot more work to do to get to the playing level we know we are capable of,” Carpenter concluded.
“But we’re playing to win right now. As far as everyone is concerned, there is no option other than to make it to playoffs and win. We have too talented of a group and have worked way too hard to not be rewarded for our efforts. We’re planning on winning the whole thing. That’s the goal.”