Bulldog Women's Soccer Showcases Young Talent in 3-1 Victory at La Verne

Photo credit: Sam Keary
Photo credit: Sam Keary

The University of Redlands women's soccer team opened a three-game road stint on Saturday by traveling to the University of La Verne for a morning match against the Leopards.  Amidst a total-team effort, the Bulldogs fired off two goals in a nine-minute span late in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action.

Early in the contest, Redlands earned a corner-kick opportunity, which proved to be lucrative for the visitors. Sophomore midfielder Lauren Bay (Oak Park, CA) placed a beautiful corner kick into the box for junior midfielder Shayla Funk (Fremont, CA) to knock into the back of the net for the Bulldogs' 1-0 lead at the 5:29-mark.

However, the Leopards wasted little time in scoring the equalizer to even the tally at one apiece.

Both goalkeepers were under pressure throughout the first half, with Redlands junior Hannah Menk (Pleasanton, CA) recording six of her nine saves in the opening 45 minutes.

During the second stanza, the Bulldogs upped their offensive attack with quality looks, especially during a barrage of attempts early in the frame.  Freshman midfielders Mel Johnson(Bremerton, WA), Kiralee Ramos (Honolulu, HI), and Alexa Glick (Boise, ID) each blasted off shots that forced the La Verne defense to step up with key plays.

The Maroon and Gray's persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Johnson notched her first goal as a Bulldog by converting another Bay corner kick for the team's 2-1 lead.

Less than 10 minutes later, freshman midfielder Bryn Anderson (Tahoe City, CA) uncorked an insurance goal off of an assist by senior defender Faith Campbell (Bainbridge Island, WA), providing security in Redlands' positive result.

Today's win halts the Bulldogs' recent skid at six games, dating back to the previous match against La Verne.

Redlands (3-9-1, 2-7-1 SCIAC) heads to Whittier College for a SCIAC showdown against the Poets on Wednesday, October 19, at 7 p.m.