Box Score FRESNO, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team opened up the season with a 2-0 shutout over Fresno Pacific University on Thursday night at Ramirez Field.
Alicia Lepe posted the clean sheet in her collegiate debut, while returning All-Cal Pac First Team selection Yesenia Tijerina and newcomer Diana Rico provided the scoring.
Lepe is the seventh goalkeeper in program history to record a shutout and the third to do so in her collegiate debut. The Modesto, Calif., native was credited with one save.
Overall, the Bobcats limited the Sunbirds to just three shots and one corner kick.
Offensively for the Bobcats, Tijerina registered the game-winning goal in the 15th minute. Zitlali Herrera sent a long ball down the field that pulled the Sunbirds goalkeeper off her line and Tijerina met her at the top of the 18-yard box and beat her to the ball. The senior then took a touch around the keeper before burying a shot across her body from 15 yards out.
Tijerina, who finished second on the Bobcats with five goals in 2023, has scored in back-to-back games dating back to last season.
Rico, a transfer from Reedley College, doubled the Bobcats lead in the 77th minute tapping in a back post cross from Lexi Wright. Wright made a defender miss before sending the cross inside for her first assist of the campaign.
Lepe, Vivianna Bravo, Alexia Alva, and Sarai Fresquez made their collegiate debut in the victory. Bravo earned the start alongside Lepe.
Other notables include four shots from Kaeley Cariglio and the first career start for Hannah DeLay.
UC Merced is back in action on Tuesday, September 10 in San Francisco against Academy of Art. First touch from SF Glens at Treasure Island Field is scheduled for 1:30pm.
