HELENA, Mont. - Following undefeated non-conference runs for both programs, the Rocky Soccer teams open Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) play on Thursday evening in Helena.

Preview - Women's Match

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The Battlin' Bears enter conference play at 2-0-2, earning draws against receiving-votes programs Hastings College and Morningside University before returning home to defeat OUAZ and Arizona Christian. Rocky's offense has fueled their early momentum, scoring at least two goals in every match and ranking second in the CCC with 2.5 goals per game. The Battlin' Bears also lead the conference in both total shots (20.25) and shots on goal (9.5) per game. Senior forward Charlize Davis ranks second in the CCC with four goals while topping the CCC in total shots (22) and shots on goal (14). Davis and fellow forward Mia Daskalovska are tied for third in the conference with two assists apiece.

Carroll College enters the matchup at 1-2-2 overall. The Fighting Saints also faced off against Arizona Christian and OUAZ in their non-conference schedule, falling 1-0 to ACU and drawing 1-1 with OUAZ. Coming off a 7-5-5 campaign that ended in the CCC quarterfinals, Carroll returns Second Team All-CCC defender Avery Lambourne alongside honorable mention selections Maria Ackerman in goal and forward Rachel McAllister. McAllister enters the week as the reigning CCC Offensive Player of the Week, while Ackerman ranks second in the league in total saves (26) and third in goals-against average (1.00).

Although Carroll holds a 32-14-9 advantage in the all-time series, Rocky has taken the last two meetings, including a double-overtime victory in the 2024 CCC Tournament.

Preview - Men's Match

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The Battlin' Bear men continued to receive votes in Wednesday's NAIA Top 25 poll and look to build their national resume on Thursday. Rocky wrapped up a 2-0-2 preseason highlighted by a victory over reigning national champion Grand View University, a win over Dakota Wesleyan, and draws against No. 9 William Penn and Mount Mercy University. Offensively, five different players have found the back of the net. Sophomore Fynn Sweeting leads the team with two goals, nine shot attempts, and five shots on goal. Defender Paul Katende anchors the playmaking with two assists, placing him among eight CCC players with multiple assists. In goal, Biruk Paulos-Negatu ranks third in the conference with two clean sheets, stopping 11 of 13 shots faced across four starts. As a unit, the Rocky defense ranks second in the CCC, conceding just 0.5 goals per game.

Carroll College enters Thursday at 1-2-1 overall, with both of their losses to top-25 opponents, No. 2 Indiana Tech (1-0) and No. 18 Bethel (3-1). The Saints finished a spot ahead of Rocky in the 2025 CCC Standings, posting a 14-4-3 (10-1-1 CCC) record and advancing to the CCC Championship match before falling in overtime to Warner Pacific. Carroll is anchored by Second Team All-CCC honorees Felix Billard and Sam Loughton, with Billard netting two of the team's five goals this season.

Rocky controls the all-time series with a 12-3 record against the Saints, though Carroll has taken each of the past three matchups.