HELENA, Mont. -- The Carroll College women's soccer team tests itself for the first time on the road this season as they head to California for a pair of non-conference games. 

The Saints will face the University of Saint Katherine on Sunday followed by a game against San Diego Christian on Monday. 

"For us, it's an opportunity to see some new competition," Saints coach Dave Thorvilson said. 

Saint Katherine is 1-1 on the young season. The Firebirds defeated San Diego Christian 4-0 and then fell 2-0 to La Sierra. It will be the first time the Carroll and Saint Katherine women's soccer teams play each other. 

Four different Firebirds scored in their win over San Diego Christian, suggesting multiple players could be a scoring threat on Sunday. 

When Carroll (0-1) plays San Diego Christian (0-2), it will be the first time the Saints meet the Hawks in the San Diego area. Last time Carroll played San Diego Christian, the game was played in Los Angeles. 

Carroll will be looking to string some wins together this weekend during their first road trip of the season. The Saints opened up their season with a 2-0 loss to MacEwan. 

"There are two struggles," Thorvilson said of going on the road. "It's the first road trip, so we post a travel roster. That's always difficult to leave some players behind in the preseason and before the season has really gotten going. We talk about unity and being close to each other and then you have to limit your roster." 

The games on Sunday and Monday will also help the Saints acclimate to the rigors of the Cascade Collegiate Conference season, as the schedule often requires the Saints to play back-to-back. 

"We're excited to have a big road trip," Thorvilson said. "We play back to back in the conference and we do that this weekend. That helps us prepare a little bit." 

The trip will also serve as a makeshift homecoming for a pair of Saints. Senior midfielder Kirsten Girolami's grandparents will host the Saints for a meal when they touch down in California and Sophomore Kenna Payne is from Winchester, California.  

"Two connections to team members and an opportunity to see some new competition is great," Thorvilson said. "And we're also using it as an opportunity to be seen in Californa as a recruiting trip." 

The game against Saint Katherine can be streamed here. The game starts at 11 a.m.

A live stream is also available for the game against San Diego Christian.  The game begins at 2 p.m.