With a dream start to the first half and a dream start to the second half, the University of California, Merced women's soccer team got a dream result on the road against Soka University of America Saturday afternoon, walking away with a 3-0 Cal Pac Conference victory.
The Bobcats took 24 shots in their win, with 13 on goal. The one that set the tone happened just over four minutes into the game though, as Elizabeth Cruz took a through ball from Veronica Villacorta and ripped one low past the keeper to give UC Merced an early 1-0 lead.
UC Merced shut Soka down in the first half, limiting them to just three shots and forced them into seven saves.
Trying to mimic the success of scoring early in the first half, the Bobcats once again found the back of the net early in the second half. For the second straight game, Ashley Bennett delivered a dime off a corner kick and Bridget Villanueva was there to drive it home. This one was scored just 12 minutes into the second half.
Finally, in the 62nd minute, Veronica Villacorta pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and ripped it home to give the Bobcats their ultimate 3-0 victory.
Maggie Morales and Gabby Vinco once again combined for a team shutout in the win. Morales made two saves in the first half while Vinco was only tested once in the second.
Once they get home tonight, UC Merced will turn their focus to Thursday afternoon. They'll welcome University of Antelope Valley as part of a women's/men's soccer doubleheader. The women's game starts at 1:00 PM.
