MERCED, Calif. - The University of California, Merced women's soccer team held #8 Westmont College scoreless through halftime before falling 3-0 on a hot Saturday afternoon on Bobcat Field.

The Bobcats (1-1-1) were looking for their first win against a ranked opponent in program history.  Despite the loss, this was the Bobcats first time in ten tries limiting a ranked opponent to less than ten shots. The shot count finished 8-8 and the Bobcats won the corner kick battle 6-5.

Scoreless at intermission, Westmont's Amarys Machado scored the game-winning goal in the 48th minute from the top of the 18-yard box. Westmont added goals in the 57th and 74th minute to cap off the 3-0 win.

UC Merced's Trinidad Quiroz held match-high with four shots, including two shots in a 15-second stretch that nearly put the Bobcats ahead 1-0 in the 12th minute. Her first shot banged off the cross bar, while her follow attempt was saved by Westmont's diving keeper Kailey Meyer. 

Baleigh Zamudio also had a shot on goal off a free kick just three minutes prior to Quiroz's two shots.

Both Meyer and UC Merced's goalkeeper Jadyn Gong played the entire 90 minutes and finished with three saves on the day.

Center back Lilly Boucher also played 90 minutes for head coach Roman DuChateau.

UC Merced utilized 22 players in the setback.

Looking ahead, the Bobcats host Southern Oregon University to wrap up a season-opening four-match homestand. First touch is currently scheduled for 12:00pm. An 11:00am kickoff is possible with officials approval.