RIVERSIDE, Calif. - The University of California, Merced women's soccer team saw their season come to an end on Thursday night with a 4-0 loss to second-seeded Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the California Pacific Conference Semifinals.
Despite the postseason exit, the Bobcats (10-7-1) can take many positives away from the campaign, including making the tournament and winning double figure games for the seventh year in a row.
A potent UC Merced offense had their work cutout for them going up against one of the best defenses in the nation, an Eagle team that shutout ten of their previous 13 opponents.
D Covarrubias fired a shot on target in the opening minutes, but the Bobcats were held without a second shot until the 43rd minute and by that time already found themselves in a 2-0 hole.
Embry-Riddle scored their first two goals in the 12th and 17th minute. The goal that stood as the game-winner was scored by a sliding Kylee Bennett inside the goal box after an Eagle teammate dribbled down the middle of the field for approximately 25 yards.
Embry-Riddle outshot UC Merced 9-2 in the opening 45 minutes, 21-7 overall on the night.
The Eagles extended their lead to 3-0 in the 67th minute and finalized the scoring in the 88th minute. All four Embry-Riddle goals were scored by different players.
The closest the Bobcats came to scoring was in the 73rd minute. Kaylee Melendez was one-on-one with the Eagles keeper but All-Cal Pac First Team selection Mackenzie Osther came off her line and made a stellar sliding save while charging towards Melendez. Melendez's shot did result in a corner kick, one of two the Bobcats earned on the night.
Embry-Riddle managed to take three corner kicks.
Rae Yoshioka and Bennett shared match-high with six shots. Jenn Salinger led the Bobcats with three shots.
Veronica Vazquez and Jadyn Gong split time between the posts for head coach Hannah Brown.
Other notables include 21 total fouls, 13 whistled against the Bobcats. UC Merced also received two cautions, including a red card in the games closing minutes.
To stay up to date on everything UC Merced women's soccer in the offseason, follow @UCMercedWSOC on Twitter and Instagram and like UC Merced Women's Soccer on Facebook.
