TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (August 21, 2019) - The Salt Lake Community College women's soccer program is young enough to consistently have program-firsts that happen each season.

SLCC had several impressive accomplishments in the 2018 season that happened for the first time, including winning the Scenic West Athletic Conference championship, earning the Region 18 title on a stunning overtime goal and eventually playing in the NJCAA tournament for the first time ever. How do the Bruins follow up in 2019? With improved recruiting, more external interest and an ever-increasing level of talent on the roster.

Bruins assistant coach Jessica Duffin said the program is poised for another strong season after a historic 2018 season, entering the year with a No. 13 ranking from the NJCAA.

"The team looked really strong and in shape coming out of camp," she said. "We had high expectations for the girls and were very pleased with how they did. They were focused and ready to work. We were able to see a lot of different combinations of who works well together and we are excited about the depth of our team this year."

The Bruins will open the 2019 season against the same opponent they closed the 2018 season with, playing a preseason match against Paradise Valley Community College. SLCC fell to PVCC, 2-1, in the NJCAA District One championships and PVCC went on to a successful run in the NJCAA championships. Salt Lake will also play against Pima Community College on Saturday, playing in doubleheaders with the SLCC men's program.

Duffin said the players are excited to play nationally-respected programs like Pima and Paradise Valley.

"We are very excited about our openers this weekend," she said. "We have been focused on them all preseason. Our exhibition games have helped us prep for them and we feel ready and anxious to compete and do well against high-caliber teams."

Salt Lake will play its home opener at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Sept. 12 against USU Eastern, which will also serve as the program's opener in the Scenic West Athletic Conference.