BYU Women’s Soccer Dominates Southern Utah 4-1 in Season Opener

The BYU women’s soccer team opened their 2025 season with a convincing 4-1 win over Southern Utah University. Freshman Sophie Sivulich grabbed two goals, while junior Ellie Walbruch and sophomore Emma Hamberlin each added a goal and an assist.

This kind of start feels like a statement. The Cougars are already looking ahead to their next match against Utah Tech.

BYU’s Dominant Performance

In their first real test, the BYU Cougars made it clear they meant business. They outshot the Southern Utah Thunderbirds 31-8.

Fourteen of those shots were on target, and four found the net. BYU also racked up seven corner kicks, while SUU managed just two.

The Thunderbirds’ goalkeepers had their hands full, making 10 saves throughout the match.

Key Players Shine

Sophie Sivulich wasted no time making an impact, scoring twice and showing she might be a future star for BYU. Walbruch and Hamberlin both played big roles too, each with a goal and an assist.

Their combined effort helped seal the win.

First Half: Setting the Tone

BYU controlled the ball for most of the first half, leading in shots 17-3 and putting 10 on frame. The first goal came in the 14th minute.

Center back Izzi Stratton launched a long ball to Walbruch, who passed to Sivulich for a clean look at goal. SUU nearly answered in the 23rd minute when Kayleigh Acree hit the crossbar, but BYU’s defense cleared it out right away.

Building the Lead

Just two minutes later, Hamberlin set up Walbruch for BYU’s second. The Cougars kept pressing, with Hamberlin and Halle Dixon both getting chances in the 31st minute.

Freshman Cassidy Drago then found Mia Goettsche, who assisted Hamberlin for a tap-in in the 36th. That made it 3-0 at halftime.

Second Half: Sealing the Victory

BYU kept their foot on the gas after the break. Five minutes into the second half, Mia Lopez pushed the ball to Presley Freeman, who set up Sivulich for her second goal.

SUU managed a consolation goal in the 78th minute. The Cougars’ defense stayed sharp, with junior Ella Rustand making a clutch sliding block in the final minute to lock in the 4-1 win.

Coach’s Insight

Head coach Jennifer Rockwood said she was happy with how the team moved the ball and created chances. She pointed out the progress compared to last year and sounded genuinely excited about how much more the team could grow.

Upcoming Matches

Next up, the Cougars play their final exhibition game at South Field against Utah Tech on Saturday at 7 p.m. MT. You can catch it live on ESPN+.

It’s another chance for BYU to sharpen their play and keep building momentum.

Omaha Supernovas’ New Head Coach

Switching gears, the Omaha Supernovas, a top pro volleyball team, just named former BYU standout and U.S. Olympic gold medalist Luka Slabe as their new head coach. Slabe brings serious experience—he’s got an Olympic gold and three Volleyball Nations League titles.

He’ll lead the Supernovas as Major League Volleyball kicks off in January 2026.

Luka Slabe’s Accomplishments

Slabe has been an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2024. He played a key part in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.