GLIAC play begins for the Wildcats this weekend as the NMU women’s soccer team is set to host the Ashland University Eagles at noon on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The Wildcats continue to search for their first win of the 2015 season after going 0-4 in nonconference play to start the season.

The ’Cats are 0-2 at home this season, dropping their most recent match 3-0 at home to the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs on Sunday, Sept. 13.

The Eagles head to NMU with a 3-0 record, averaging 13.3 shots per game.

Ashland head coach Danny Krispinsky said the game changes once you hit conference play.

“We’re off to a good start so far this year,” Krispinsky said. “It’s one thing to do well in your out-of-conference schedule, but the GLIAC is another monster. Every team knows their opponent well, and there are no secrets when it comes to conference play. Each game is a very physical and highly contested match. We’re excited to see how we stack up with the best teams in the GLIAC this weekend.”

Ashland’s sophomore forward Morgan Bittengle has scored three goals thus far this season.

For NMU, freshman forward Casey Durand and sophomore defender Maria Killunen have each scored one goal. Junior goalkeeper Alexandra Simmons has a .727 save percentage with a 1.64 goals-against average.

“This is such a competitive conference, and playing a team like Northern Michigan on the road is a difficult task,” Krispinsky said. “They’re a very hard-working team with a lot of talent and are very wellcoached. It’ll be a good match, and we’re looking for the challenge.”