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With a big win over York University leapfrogging Ottawa into a three-way tie for seventh in the KCAC standings, the Braves wrap up the road portion of their regular season slate on Wednesday at Friends University. Kickoff for the match is set for 5 p.m.
\nThe Matchup
\nWednesday’s match marks the 40th meeting between the teams, with Ottawa holding a 21-14-4 overall record in the series. It’s a series that has been defined by runs of form, with Ottawa collecting a pair of huge winning streaks – six matches between 2001 and 2005 and 14 between 2007 and 2018 – after Friends opened the series with a six-match winning streak from 1996 to 2000.<\/p>\n
With the exception of last year’s meeting, scoring has been at a premium over recent years, with three of the previous five matches ending in 0-0 draws. \n<\/p>\n
Last Time Out About Friends University Kaitlyn Martinez has seen the bulk of action in goal for Friends, posting a goals-against average of 1.11 across 810:00 and a save percentage of .846 in 10 appearances. Camila Apple has seen more of a starting role in recent action, with starts in all six of her appearances on the year and a goals-against average of 0.20 over 450:00. She’s collected a save percentage of .933 on the year.
\n<\/p>\n Looking At The Playoff Picture The Braves are still in control of their own destiny, holding a game in hand and the head-to-head tiebreaker over sixth-place Southwestern, although the Moundbuilders will finish the regular season against Bethany. Tabor and Evangel are also level with the Braves on 15 points, two behind Southwestern, and the Bluejays will meet the Valor to wrap up the regular season on Oct. 31. York is on the outside looking in, but will need considerable help as they close out the regular season against league leaders Oklahoma Wesleyan.
\n<\/p>\n KCAC Players of the Week 2026 KCAC Players of the Week Welcome (Back) Home
\nCharlotte Gatehouse<\/a> scored on either side of halftime for the Braves against York, cleaning up her own rebound on a breakaway in the 14th minute then carving past a pair of defenders before beating York’s Harumi Cornejo near post in the 51st. Makena Tapia<\/a> and Lena-Marie Winkler<\/a> combined to hold York scoreless on the afternoon, helping Ottawa leapfrog the Panthers further into playoff contention.<\/p>\n
\nFriends brings a strong 10-1 KCAC record into Wednesday’s match, one point behind league leaders Oklahoma Wesleyan on the season. Offensively, Kieley Aranda and Anahi Ibarra-Arevalo dominate the Falcons’ output, with eight goals each of the total 25 scored by Friends on the season.<\/p>\n
\nWith five teams (Oklahoma Wesleyan, Friends, McPherson, Avila and Kansas Wesleyan) now guaranteed a spot in the KCAC postseason tournament and four squads (University of Saint Mary, Sterling, Bethel and Bethany) officially eliminated, the battle for the last three playoff berths is heating up.<\/p>\n
\nAfter helping Ottawa to a playoff-critical win with two goals against York University on Saturday, Charlotte Gatehouse<\/a> was named KCAC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 9. It is the first career selection for Gatehouse and the first offensive player of the week since 2018 for the Braves. Leigh-Anne Barlett (Week 1, Week 6) and Samantha Mendoza (Week 7) earned offensive accolades for the 2018 squad with the most recent overall player of the week nod coming in 2025, as Te’a Newcomb<\/a> earned week 7 honors.<\/p>\n
\nWeek 9 – Charlotte Gatehouse<\/a> (Offensive)
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\nAfter playing the past several seasons at AdventHealth Field, Ottawa returns to the Dick Peters Sports Complex for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n