MERCED, Calif. – The University of California, Merced women's soccer team battled to a scoreless draw against Simon Fraser on Friday night at Bobcat Field to open the NCAA Division II era.
With the clean sheet, the Bobcats (0-0-1) have now earned eight consecutive regular season shutouts dating back to last season. Also of note, UC Merced remains unbeaten at home in their last 15 matches dating back to October 20, 2022.
UC Merced outshot Simon Fraser 11-6, including 7-3 on frame but were unable to break through.
Alicia Lepe earned the solo shutout for the Bobcats needing to make just two saves. Her shutout marked the eleventh of her career, passing Ally Lozano for third all-time in program history.
Outside back Kaeley Cariglio provided a huge defensive play in the 27th minute against a corner kick. She was protecting near post and saved a shot that would have went into the back of the net otherwise. A Simon Fraser attacker followed, which Lepe then saved.
Trinidad Quiroz and Lexi Wright provided the scoring opportunities for the Bobcats. Quiroz, in her first match since 2023, hit the crossbar in the 60th minute. She forced the goalkeeper into three saves and fired off six shots overall. Wright, in her first game in eleven months, threatened in the ninth minute but Red Leafs keeper Sarah Loewen made a one-handed diving save.
Alexia Alva and Lizzie Ledesma also tasked Loewen with a save. Loewen finished with seven saves overall.
Ledesma and Jackie Tamayo, who both started, made their UC Merced debut's.
Gabby Gonzales, Sonya Gregoris, and Jariah Indalecio made their collegiate debut's in the first half.
Other notables include Preeya Singh, Macy Max, Katy Flores, and Quiroz playing the full 90 minutes.
Friday's season opener marked the second straight season opener shutting out a NCAA Division II opponent.
Up next, UC Merced will travel to Oregon to play Western Oregon (Sept. 11) and Central Washington (Sept. 13). Both games will be played at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Ore.
