MERCED, Calif. - The University of California, Merced women's soccer team kept the strong home contingent entertained by tallying 32 shots, ten on goal, but the Bobcats ultimately fell 2-0 to Menlo College Saturday night in the 2019 opener.
Saturday night's match marked the tenth all-time meeting between these foes and they have played each other eight straight years dating back to 2012.
The 32 shots were eight more than the Bobcats averaged in 2018, a good sight for fans to see considering the Bobcats return 83% of its scoring from a year ago.
The high-tempoed Bobcat offense also managed to get off seven corner kicks, six in the first half.
Menlo finished with just five shots, two on goal which both found the back of the net.
Menlo's Haleigh Stoddard netted the game-winner, a goal in the 25th minute off a keepers deflection. Lilly Chisler was credited with the assist.
Kori-Ann Koverman doubled the Oaks lead in the 60th minute.
Despite being on the wrong end of a shutout, the Bobcats had their fair share of busy offensive stretches. One of the busiest stretches came early in the match. Jenn Salinger recorded the first shot attempt of 2019 in the ninth minute and that was followed by three corner kicks and three more shots in the next eight minutes. Salinger started another offensive dominant stretch two minutes into the second half. Salinger, Noodles Sidhu and Sydney Quintero combined for four shots in the next five minutes.
A pair of scoring opportunities were halted by the crossbar, a shot each from Opal Ward and Clara Constantini. Both shots would have tied the game at one.
Jenn Salinger led all players with eight total shots and the junior has now tallied that number twice in the last five games dating back to 2018. Her last time peppering the opponent with that many attempts came on the road against Soka University of America, the same game in which the Bobcats clinched their fifth consecutive berth to the California Pacific Conference Championships.
Junior D Covarrubuas managed to get off five shots with a game-high three shots on goal. Constantini had four shots, two on goal. Overall, 13 Bobcats recorded a shot in the opener.
Freshmen Kaylee Melendez, Jocelyne Garcia, Ciera Santos, Maddie Door, Zoe Juarez and Isabella Spiva made their Bobcat debuts. Melendez, who played all 90 minutes, and Garcia earned a spot in Saturday's starting eleven.
UC Merced junior Ally Lozano earned her 21st consecutive start between the posts.
Menlo's goalkeeper Michelle Gonzalez finished with ten saves in the shutout.
Up next, the Bobcats look to bounce back on the road against William Jessup University. First touch on Saturday, August 31 is set for 1:30pm in Rocklin, Calif.
