MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team won its first California Pacific Conference Tournament Championship in program history on Saturday night with a 2-1 win over top-seed and 14th-ranked Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Bobcat Field.
Adding to the win, the Bobcats (15-2) became champions on their home pitch and beat their first Top 25 opponent in program history.
Entering the night, the Bobcats had appeared in five conference title games but this was their first since 2020.
Trinidad Quiroz and Alondra Higareda provided the offense for the Bobcats, each scoring a goal four minutes apart to put UC Merced up 2-0 in the 33rd minute.
Embry-Riddle cut the deficit in half in the 49th minute with a header but that was it as the Bobcats held the Eagles scoreless the rest of the way.
Quiroz's goal to open the championship game scoring was her Cal Pac record-breaking 22nd goal of the year. The Bobcats junior broke the conference's single-season record that was originally set in 2008.
Quiroz buried her shot upper 90 from 25 yards out near post. After receiving the ball from Trinity Dunbar, Quiroz dribbled towards goal and made a move around a defender to create a clean shot that she smoked past Embry-Riddle keeper Annabelle Ruckle. Dunbar was credited with the assist on the score, recovering possession in the Bobcats attacking third before finding Quiroz.
Shortly after, Higareda checked into the game and cashed in her goal scoring opportunity from ten yards away to double the Bobcats advantage. Katy Flores sent a long ball down the field to Yareli Hernandez and Hernandez's cross originally intended for Quiroz went off an Eagle and right to an unmarked Higareda. Higareda buried her one-timer towards the top of the net. Higareda's goal was her second of the season.
The Bobcats two goals against Embry-Riddle were the most by any Cal Pac team since the 2021 season. This year, Embry-Riddle only allowed two goals over eleven conference games and shutout BenU in the semifinal on Thursday before the Bobcats struck twice.
UC Merced recorded ten shots overall and put six on target. Quiroz took four shots and put two on frame along with Higareda. Embry-Riddle took 12 shots with five of the shots coming in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Overall, the Eagles put nine of their 12 total shots on frame. Embry-Riddle also earned four second half corner kicks but the Bobcats defense stood strong.
Jadyn Gong withstood the challenge to keep her Bobcats in front and ultimately win their first ever championship trophy. Gong made eight saves for the Bobcats and stopped the final shot she was tasked with in the 85th minute.
With head coach Roman DuChateau and the Bobcats win, the Cal Pac has seen five different tournament champions in the last five years.
Up next, UC Merced will learn their NAIA National Championship Opening Round destination and opponent on Monday, November 13. This will be the Bobcats first ever trip to the national tournament.
