The Sacramento State women’s soccer team begins its five-game road trip, stretching from Sept. 11-24, Monday at rival UC Davis’ Aggie Soccer Field.

Going on an extended road trip can be grueling as players partake in long bus drives, uncomfortable study sessions and the intense games themselves. The Hornets (3-3) have already experienced three overtime matches and six games all decided by one goal, so it’s easy to see how a student athlete could be overwhelmed.

“It’s tiring for them, they miss class and they’ve got to bring homework on the road,” said Randy Dedini, the Hornets head coach. “We just got to manage our time, but sometimes going on the road is not a bad thing because we can totally focus on what we have to do.”

However, none of these setbacks stop senior defender Chelsea Arnold from enjoying her time on the road. Arnold said keeping up with her school work is doable and she’s able to enjoy her trips thanks to help from others.

“I love being on the road, honestly,” Arnold said. “I like to just chill in the hotel room. As long as you keep up with your homework and everything, usually professors are pretty cool about rescheduling any quizzes or tests you missed. When your professors are accommodating, it works out OK.”

Another factor to this dynamic is the Sacramento community, or lack thereof, during these away matches. Despite last year’s positive 4-2-1 road record and an undefeated away standing this season, freshman goalkeeper Aaliyah Fesili is quick to note what she misses during away games.

“Definitely the community support,” Fesili said. “It means a lot to us players on the field. We get to support our boys, too, usually, but if we’re on the road then we can’t, so we’ve got to support them in spirit.”

During this upcoming five-game stretch, Sac State will also visit San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Washington and Idaho. However, Dedini said he is confident with his group due to their showing against UNLV and Power 5 programs Texas and Cal.

“Those are the toughest games on our schedule so we feel like we’re in a good place right now,” Dedini said. “We just got to get a little bit healthier and go in with confidence on the road and get it done.”

After the Hornets’ match against UC Davis, Sac State will next play at Cal Poly at 4 p.m. Friday at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo.