Utah State Eastern women's soccer pulled off a major upset against No. 13 Snow College, highlighted by 11 saves from goalkeeper Haycock to secure the victory. The win follows a period of mixed results for the Eagles, who previously struggled in a 2-1 loss to Snow on Sept. 13, 2026.
Conference Standings and Momentum
The victory for the Eagles comes as the Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC) enters its final stretch of play. According to the Scenic West Sports standings, Utah State Eastern currently holds a 9-5-2 record in the conference, sitting with 29 points. This follows a recent run where the team secured three consecutive wins to reach its current standing.
In contrast, Snow College enters the final stages of the SWAC season with an 8-1-3 record, according to Scenic West Sports. While the Badgers remain a dominant force, they recently suffered a loss, breaking a streak that included a historic 21-0 victory over Pacific Northwest Christian College on a Saturday in early October. That record-breaking performance saw the Badgers score 16 goals in the first half alone.
Defensive Stand and Past Encounters
The match against Snow College underscored the defensive resilience of Utah State Eastern. While the Eagles have faced challenges in high-stakes matchups, such as their 2-1 defeat to Snow on Sept. 13, 2026, the recent defensive effort was anchored by Haycock's 11 saves.
This defensive performance was critical in neutralizing a Snow College offense that has shown significant scoring potential. In their previous meeting on Sept. 13, 2026, Snow College utilized a goal from Jolee Irvin in the 40th minute to lead, but Brookley Rasmussen equalized for the Eagles with less than 30 seconds remaining in the first half. That match ended in a 2-1 victory for the Badgers after Hallie Hansen scored in the 66th minute.
National and Regional Rankings
The competitive landscape of the NJCAA Division I Women's rankings continues to shift as the season progresses. As of the October 20, 2026, United Soccer Coaches Poll, Snow College is ranked No. 13 nationally. The rankings show a highly competitive field, with Daytona State College holding the No. 1 position and Arizona Western College at No. 2.
Other notable teams in the top rankings include Iowa Western Community College at No. 3 and Trinity Valley Community College at No. 4. Salt Lake Community College, a key regional rival for both Utah State Eastern and Snow College, is ranked No. 8 nationally. Salt Lake Community College currently holds an 11-1-3 record and sits in second place in the SWAC with 27 points.
Coaching and Upcoming Schedule
The coaching staff at Utah State Eastern continues to lead the program through this competitive stretch. The women's soccer staff includes head coach Tracy Brady and assistant coach Rachel Pace.
Looking ahead, the Snow College Badgers are scheduled to conclude their SWAC play at home. Their upcoming schedule includes a matchup against TMCC on Thursday, Oct. 22, followed by a game against the College of Southern Idaho on Saturday, Oct. 24. Both contests are slated to take place at the Snow College Soccer Complex in Ephraim.
Season Outlook
The current season has highlighted the intense rivalry between Utah State Eastern and Snow College. While the Eagles have faced difficulties, including a 3-4 conference record earlier in the season, their recent upward trajectory in the SWAC standings marks a significant shift in their campaign.
As the NJCAA Division I season moves toward its conclusion, the performance of teams like Utah State Eastern and Snow College will be pivotal in determining the composition of the SWAC Region 18 Tournament, which is scheduled to run from Thursday, Oct. 29, through Saturday, Oct. 31.
Regional Competition Summary
The regional competition remains tight with multiple teams vying for top positions. Salt Lake Community College, for example, recently suffered its first loss of the season in a 1-0 defeat to the College of Southern Idaho, yet they remain a top contender in the conference standings. The ability of teams to maintain defensive consistency, as demonstrated by the Eagles' recent performance, will be a deciding factor in the upcoming postseason.
