New territory is once again emerging for the Bruins – a conference tournament.

UCLA finished its inaugural regular season in the Big Ten as runner-ups after losing to crosstown rivals USC in the team’s last match. But UCLA has a second chance to claim a Big Ten title at the conference tournament, something the Pac-12 lacked for women’s soccer.

The tournament begins Sunday as No. 2 seed UCLA women’s soccer (13-3-3, 8-1-2 Big Ten) faces No. 10 seed Penn State (12-5-3, 5-4-2) in the quarterfinal match at City Park, hosted by Minnesota in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“I think it is another opportunity,” said graduate student goalkeeper Ryan Campbell. “This is really our chance to make a mark and kind of climb back into the notoriety.”

UCLA and Penn State have played each other six times in program history, but only once since 2018. Entering a new conference meant the Bruins lacked first-hand experience against their new opponents. But with a full season under their belts, the Bruins are more familiar with the Nittany Lions – whom they tied 0-0 with on October 17.

“Having played against them, we have film against them,” said graduate student midfielder Sunshine Fontes. “So just analyzing the film and honestly taking things from those games and putting it into that game or the next game will be very helpful for us.”

The Nittany Lions’ roster consists of three All-Big Ten honorees. First-team forward Kaitlyn MacBean ranks ninth in the NCAA with 14 goals this season. Second-team midfielder Jordan Fusco logged both of Penn State’s shots on goal against UCLA and ranks eighth in the NCAA with 10 assists, while another second-team player, defender Mieke Schiemmann, is tied for third on the team with four goals.

Although their last matchup ended in a draw, the Bruins outshot the Nittany Lions 20-3.

If the tie against Penn State is any indication, UCLA is struggling to find the back of the net. Lacking senior forward Lexi Wright and alumni forwards Reilyn Turner and Ally Cook – who collectively scored 25 of the Bruins’ 52 goals last season – has forced UCLA to adjust its forward line. Currently, the Bruins average 1.21 goals per game, the first time they have averaged below two goals since their 1.91 average in 2016.

“That’s something that we need to go back to the drawing board a little bit, because it’s been a game or two now in a row that we haven’t started out well,” said coach Margueritte Aozasa. “So, going into the Big Ten tournament, we’ll fix it.”

A victory for the Bruins on Sunday will send them to the semifinals against No. 3 seed Iowa or No. 6 seed Washington. A loss will send them back home to Westwood.