While preparing for Bountiful's semifinal game last Thursday, Erin Stock was finalizing her college decision. Either way, the midfielder would be playing for a nationally respected program.
For the past three months, BYU and Washington had been Stock's front-runners, but late Thursday night Stock informed BYU coach Jennifer Rockwood she wanted to be a Cougar.
Stock cited playing alongside BYU's Aleisha Cramer, also a U.S. national team midfielder, as a big reason for selecting BYU. Staying close to home was another factor.
It's doubtful she'll regret her decision, but considering how well Washington is playing lately, it was certainly a difficult decision for Stock.
The Huskies have vaulted as high as second in the nation behind Notre Dame in the latest Soccer America poll. Caroline Putz, a former Bountiful High School standout, has played a big role in Washington's success with a school-record eight assists.
Washington is positioning itself nicely for a run at the final four in November. However, the buzz around Provo is that similar prospects await the Cougars in the next couple years. In addition to Stock, BYU has received verbal commitments from Kim Devine and Krissa Campbell, both heavily recruited regional players from California. California's Kimi Davis also has verbally committed to BYU.
KRIEGER'S EXPLOITS: The past few weeks have been kind to the Krieger family.
Two weeks ago, Jordan Krieger, a former Park City High School standout, was named the women's NCAA national player of the week. The William & Mary forward netted two hat tricks, one in a 4-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth and the other in a 4-0 blanking of East Carolina.
The following week, Jordan's little sister Jackie helped Park City High School to a 1-0 upset victory over Judge in the 3A state championship. It was Park City's third title in the last four years.
BLITZZ TRYOUTS: The Utah Blitzz will hold local tryouts Nov. 3-4 at Oquirrh Park.
Blitzz coach Chris Agnello will conduct the tryouts from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, and then again from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Last year's tryouts produced more than half of this year's Western Conference championship roster.
Players can pick up registration forms at soccer stores along the Wasatch Front or access them at www.utahblitzz.com.
"Remaining at the D3 level allows us to utilize many local players before moving to the A-League. I am interested to see the response from local players based on the fact that we are looking to sign about 10 new players," Agnello said.
After the tryouts, the Blitzz will choose 20 players to invite to next year's tryouts in Las Vegas, where they will compete for roster spots against foreign players and current professionals.
E-MAIL: jedward@desnews.com