Off to their best start since the 2004 season, the No. 13 Irish look to stay unbeaten this weekend when they host Oregon State and No. 6 Akron in the Mike Berticelli Memorial Tournament.
Notre Dame (3-0-0) will play the Beavers (2-0-1) tonight, before competing in a Sunday afternoon match against the Zips (2-0-1).
Though Oregon State only had a 5-11-2 record last season, the Beavers have not lost in their first three contests this year. Led by sophomore forward Khiry Shelton's seven points, Oregon State has averaged four goals per game through its first three matches. The Beavers also played then-No. 4 UC-Santa Barbara to a 2-2 draw on Aug. 31.
Irish coach Bobby Clark said Oregon State's performances show how dangerous the team is.
"Oregon State's scored 12 goals already this year in three games," he said. "They're arguably the most athletic front-six in the country, so they're going to be a huge challenge."
Beavers coach Steve Simmons has fielded teams that have played the Irish well in the past. This could make the matchup more difficult, Clark said.
"They're well-coached, they'll be a very well-coached team," Clark said. "I know that this will not be an easy game."
