Lethbridge - Looking to build off their first playoff appearance in eight years, the Lethbridge Pronghorn women's soccer team kick starts the 2016 Canada West conference schedule this weekend, hosting the UBC-O Heat and the Thompson Rivers WolfPack.
 
Both games kick-off Saturday and Sunday respectively at 12:00pm at the University Community Stadium.
 
The 'Horns have never faced either UBC-O or Thompson Rivers in Canada West action.
 
This season also marks the program's 30^th Anniversary season.  They will be hosting the program's annual Alumni appreciation night after the game and have invited players from the inaugural women's soccer team from 1986 to attend the game.
 
The 'Horns return 11 players from last season's team that lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Saskatchewan Huskies.
 
Offensive production continued to be the 'Horns Achilles heel last season, scoring only 8 goals in 12 games, while being shutout in eight contests.
 
With 13 new players added this season, the 'Horns will lean heavily on their core veterans like Erica Augsten, Kaitlin Doiron, and Nikki Furukawa in the midfield and Jesse Dueck will be in charge of the backline after the graduation of Kim Shellenberg.
 
A year ago, the 'Horns Saturday opponent UBC-O Heat finished seventh in the Pacific Division with a 2-8-4 record and missed the playoffs, but were ranked 10^th in the Canada West annual coaches poll this season.
 
Thompson Rivers, only in their second Canada West season last year, finished sixth in the Pacific Division with a 5-7-2 record and earned a post-season berth. This season could be a different story for the WolfPack, as the program only returns two starters from a year ago and saw 18 roster players from last season depart.
 
The 'Horns will head out on the road next weekend, traveling to face the MacEwan Griffins and Mount Royal Cougars.