The game of the weekend will occur between undefeateds CSU Northridge and UC Riverside. Riverside has already taken down two of Southern California's tougher teams: UC Irvine 26-8 and USC 51-27. Northridge is 2-0 as well, but almost gave up last Saturday’s game to Irvine, holding on for a 25-19 win.

“It was not as close as the score shows, but the tides did definitely shift,” CSU Northridge coach Christina Alatorre explained last week's win.

Northridge led 20-0 at half, but 10 minutes after the break, starters Monique Robles, Jenna Loucks and Lupe Moreno left the pitch (the latter two suffered injuries). Morale shifted, and UCI scored three second-half tries to Northridge’s one (Gillian Chance accounted for the five points).

Irvine and USC will play on Friday night, and that match should be a good one as well. In other SoCal action, CSU Fullerton has been postponing games so it’s uncertain whether Saturday’s match against Occidental will occur; and Long Beach State, which posted a 69-0 win over Oxy last weekend, should get its second league win against Claremont.

The West Coast conference has scheduled four games as well, but like SoCal, it’s unlikely that they’ll all come off. SF BATS has been forfeiting games, so it’s unlikely that UN Reno, which posted a 59-20 win over Sacramento State on Saturday, will bank an eligible game. St. Mary’s vs. Santa Clara is questionable, too.

The jewel of the weekend is Humboldt vs. UC Santa Cruz. These two teams compete in the upper tier of the conference, and Saturday’s game will mark Humboldt’s first game of the season.

“I applaud the efforts of the new teams in our league that are trying to get established, but we are challenged by not having consistent competition, as we have been training hard and all the other divisions with spring competitive seasons are well underway,” Humboldt coach Evi Ashenbrucker said. “The forfeitures have been disappointing. The girls are more than ready to play.”

And eager to defend its conference title. The team is returning all but two players from last season, and the rookies are looking good as well. In particular, look for freshmen Madison Wallace (lock) and Clare Berry (flanker) in the forwards. Both players have high school rugby experience.

“Madison is a powerhouse in the set piece, and Clare has a hustle and contagiously positive attitude that is unmatched,” Ashenbrucker said. “I am also very pleased with senior forwards captain Krista Miller, who is running the front row and has stepped up hugely in a leadership way.”

Fullback Jordan Ludtke anchors the backs, who all sport good speed and athleticism. Follow freshman Olivia Barnett, a former wrestler, and sophomore speedster Lila Bell for examples of such.

The team is particularly excited for the return of backs captain Jasmine Phiengsai, who comes back to the pitch after a yearlong injury.

“I have been delighted to see [Phiengsai] in action, as she has tremendous ability to control the game and set the pace,” Ashenbrucker said of the senior halfback.

In the Carolinas conference, Appalachian State will try to rebound from its 25-15 loss (read more) to UNC Charlotte with a win against Elon, while the College of Charleston (AHO’s traditional rival) takes on UNC Greensboro. South Carolina and UNC Wilmington will also play.

And in Southern Independent, Florida Atlantic will hopefully get a better test against South Florida on Saturday. FAU beat Miami 74-5, while USF banked a forfeit win against Florida Gulf Coast last weekend.

Active DII Conference Standings