BYU Women face most difficult goal (BYU beats Cal, will face SCU)
San Jose CA Mercury News 11Nov99 S3
By Jody Meacham: Mercury News Staff Writer

PROVO, UTAH -- BYU's women's soccer team defeated Cal 2-0 on Wednesday in the NCAA women's soccer tournament opener, leaving them next to face top-ranked Santa Clara University on Saturday. But while beating Santa Clara would get them past the most difficult opponent, the team would still have to face the difficulty of a tournament championship game that would be moved from a Sunday for their benefit.

Some at BYU have felt that the NCAA rigged the tournament to make it difficult for the team to make the final. The Cougars have been sent to play Santa Clara in the past two tournaments, and have lost both times. "Either that or (the selection committee) didn't think we are a very good team," says BYU Coach Jennifer Waldron. "I can't think of what other reason there could be. I understand the committee's concern for rescheduling, but it seems somewhat obvious that might be in their thinking. But it gives us a motivating factor, and we'll try to use that on the girls."

Cal's Coach Kevin Boyd says that the Cougars face a tough road ahead at Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara's home. "Santa Clara is better," he said. "The only thing that's going to beat Santa Clara is Santa Clara. They have more speed than anyone else out there. BYU has desire, but I don't know if that's going to be enough against the talent and athleticism of Santa Clara."