Utah is 9-3-1 all-time in season-opening contests. The Utes are 4-2-1 when opening the season on the road under coach Rich Manning.

Southern Utah

SOCCER: Southern Utah women's soccer will begin its 2008 campaign when the Thunderbirds host the UC-Riverside Highlanders on Friday at 3 p.m. The game will be the first for both schools after not having any preseason matches this year.

UC-Riverside will bring the reigning Big West Player of the Year in Tessa Lennala, who led the conference with eight goals in 2007. Southern Utah will counter with senior forward Shaley Ipson-Allen, who is on the cusp of becoming the all-time career record holder in goals and points.

The Thunderbirds also return an experienced back line with three returning starters and sophomore Allison Goettsche who appeared in 16 of SUU's 18 games last year.

Utah State

VOLLEYBALL: Utah State volleyball coach Grayson DuBose and members of the 2008 volleyball team will be holding a free skills clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum.

The clinic, which is for children under the age of 15 and adults who are at least 18, will focus on basic volleyball technique as well as providing up-to-date information on rule changes in the collegiate game.

For more information or to register, contact the USU Athletics Department at 435-797-1850.