ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Alexia Alva found an early second-half equalizer as the University of California, Merced women's soccer team played to a 1-1 draw at Central Washington on Saturday afternoon.
The result keeps the Bobcats (2-0-1) unbeaten through three games for the third straight year and for the sixth time in program history. UC Merced is one of five unbeaten teams remaining in the CCAA.
Alva tied the game in the 52nd minute off an assist from Sonya Gregoris. Gregoris intercepted a Central Washington goalkeeper pass in the attacking half and sent the ball 20 yards up the field to Alva, who needed just two touches to elude a defender and score from 15 yards out.
Alva's goal was her second in as many games, marking the first time in her career that she has found the back of the net in consecutive matches. Alva's goal was the fourth of her career overall. Gregoris' assist was her first of the campaign.
Central Washington opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a Shannah Mellick goal from the top of the box. She received a pass from the left side of the field and similar to Alva, Mellick eluded a defender before firing.
Saturday marked the Bobcats first time earning a draw or better when trailing at any point of the match since August 17, 2023.
UC Merced allowed just one Central Washington shot following the goal.
Shortly after Alva's equalizer, she took a shot at the go-ahead goal but it was saved by a Wildcat defender far post. The ball then went out to Roa who took a shot on goal that was knocked down by the keeper.
The Bobcats had a final chance at a game-winning goal with 30 seconds left when Jocelin Roa connected with Sophia Ruys on a cross, but a header missed high.
UC Merced outshot Central Washington 11-4 overall, 5-3 on frame throughout the game. The Bobcats won the corner kick battle 6-5.
Alicia Lepe was credited with two saves in her third start in goal this year. A game after becoming UC Merced's all-time shutouts leader, Lepe passed Valerie Presiado for fourth in program history with 85 career saves.
Lepe's center backs Lizzie Ledesma and Lexi Wright played the full 90 minutes with her.
Andrea Alvarenga Torres, Jacqueline Tamayo, Sarai Fresquez, Roa, and Ruys also logged all 90 minutes. Saturday marked the first career match playing the full 90 for Fresquez and Ruys.
Zamaya Rivera earned her first career start.
Looking ahead, UC Merced will finish its season-long four-game road trip at Jessup on Monday, September 14 at 1:00pm in Rocklin, Calif.
