Despite a slow start, the University of Redlands women's soccer team notched its third straight Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) win on Wednesday evening, defeating the University of La Verne, 3-0.  Three second-half goals propelled the Bulldogs to the victory, keeping them in a tie for second place in the conference standings. 

The Maroon and Gray out-shot the Leopards by a margin of 13-3 in the first half but were only able to put two on frame, leaving the score tied at zero at the break.

Sophomore forward Sierra Duarte (Portland, OR) jumpstarted the Bulldog attack just under three minutes into the second period when she ripped a shot off the crossbar and into the goal from 18 yards out.  The goal was her first of her career and served as a sign of things to come for Redlands.

Watch Duarte's goal here.

Freshman midfielder Savannah Laursen (Boise, ID) found the back of the net at the 56:32 mark, doubling the lead off of a nice cross from senior midfielder Rheana Bales (Issaquah, WA).  The goal was Laursen's third on the year, tying her for the team's lead.

The Bulldogs continued the onslaught on the Leopard goal in the second stanza and found the dagger in the 75th minute as freshman midfielder Cassandra Lively (Redmond, WA) connected with sophomore midfielder Devin Wright (Upland, CA) at the top of the box with a nice lofted pass.  Wright took one touch to her right and then laced a shot past the Leopard goalkeeper to seal the victory.  For Wright, it was also her first career netter in a Bulldog uniform.

On the game, Redlands out-shot La Verne, 33-8, including 20 shots in the second half.

Senior goalkeeper Linzey Smith (Anaheim Hills, CA) and junior goalkeeper Sabrina Grandke-Bawab (Kirkland, WA) combined for the shutout, each playing 45 minutes in the game.

Redlands (5-1-1, 4-1-0) plays host to Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in another crucial SCIAC match at Farquhar Field on Saturday.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.