The University of Redlands women's soccer team continued Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action by facing off against the Cal Lutheran University Regals on Saturday night at Farquhar Field. The Bulldogs faced an early deficit but bounced back with authority by netting two, first-half scores to hold on to a 2-1 victory.
The Regals struck first in the 24th minute when Emily William took control of a second-chance opportunity for the score.
However, the Bulldogs brushed off the Regals' netter and cracked their scoring seal in the 28th minute off the foot of senior midfielder Savannah Laursen (Boise, ID), which was dually assisted by freshman midfielder Lauren Bay (Oak Park, CA) and junior forward Kate Frame (Fox Island, WA).
The Bulldogs' scoring trend continued shortly after, as Redlands grabbed the lead in the 38th minute, compliments of senior midfielder Isabella Baez (Zionsville, IN). After a far-post shot attempt by Laursen, Baez corralled the second-chance opportunity and easily bumped a goal past the CLU goalkeeper with her head for the Maroon and Gray's 2-1 advantage.
The Bulldogs took control of the dogfight that ensued on the pitch in the second half, but not with ease.
Senior goalkeeper Lexi Felix (Kaulia, HI) continued her fantastic performance between the posts by making multiple big-time plays – including a fully extended save to preserve Redlands' lead - en route to six saves. Furthermore, the defensive backline of senior Sam Keary (Mission Viejo, CA), junior Sammie Burghardt (Gig Harbor, WA), and junior Faith Campbell (Bainbridge Island, WA) was relentless in stopping through-balls, cutting players, and attempted shots on target in the second half, aiding in the 2-1 Bulldog victory.
Overall, Laursen led the way with three shots, while senior midfielder Summer Norquist (Boise, ID) and junior forward McKenzie Oliger (Seattle, WA) fired off two shots.
Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Menk (Pleasanton, CA) earned the victory after being slotted as the starter and hauling in four saves in the first half.
The Bulldogs (3-0-1, 2-0-0 SCIAC) travel to Pomona-Pitzer Colleges on Wednesday, September 23, for a SCIAC showdown with the Sagehens (2-4-0, 0-2-0 SCIAC) at 4 p.m.
