The Arizona women's soccer team is packing its bags for Montana in search of a pair of wins this weekend.

The Wildcats, who are in their third season of NCAA competition, will compete in non-conference play with Montana on Sunday and Brigham Young on Monday.

Head coach Lisa Fraser definitely wants to return to Tucson with two wins, sophomore forward Nikki Jones said.

"She says that in order to establish ourselves we need to win these games and these are the kinds of teams we need to start beating," Jones said.

"We are really excited to compete and we're ready for a weekend of competition," Fraser said. "I expect them to work on our system and what we've been practicing."

The team has been preparing for Montana's game all week in practice, Jones said.

Jones said that all of the drills have been Montana-oriented and that the team has been concentrating on tactics to defeat the Grizzlies.

"It helps us focus in practice more if we have something that we're working towards," Jones said.

Last season, the Grizzlies defeated the Wildcats by a small margin. This year, however, Jones said that Arizona is stronger and has a new squad.

"We really need to start winning the close games this season," Jones said.

The Grizzlies, who are also in their third season, were 12-7 last year. Fraser said the team plays extremely well and has a lot of speed.

"We need to play really well and deny them room to use their speed," Fraser said.

Monday's game features the Cougars of BYU.

Brigham Young, a team in its second season, finished the inaugural season with an 11-8-1 record.

Although the Wildcats and Cougars have not met before, Fraser expects the game to be a battle.

"Brigham Young has a fast forward that we need to be aware of," Fraser said. "They are a pretty solid team."

With the experience of the returning players, and the addition of a highly talented group of new players, Fraser expects her team to cross the .500 mark this season.

Senior co-captain Christine Keeley said that this season the team can no longer consider themselves a new program.

"We are in our third season. We have the depth and numbers this season," Keeley said. "Coach has told us there are no excuses."

The Wildcats have 12 new players on their roster this season. Fraser said that the new players are highly talented and expects them to adjust to the collegiate level of play.

Keeley said that it is important to win both games this weekend because it will set the tone for the season.

"We need to expect that (two wins) but we need to play smart and organized," Keeley said.

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