Bryce Anthony Edwards
Staff Writer
After a thrilling come-from-behind win against rivals Life Pacific on Sept. 4, in which the Leopards scored three goals in the final 12 minutes to win, the women’s soccer team had all the momentum going into their game against the Stanton Elks on Saturday. The Leopards won in a dominant shutout victory, 3-0.
The game was slated to start at 4:30 p.m., but was moved to 5 p.m. because of the extreme heat. The referees also made sure to enforce mandatory water breaks during each half for both teams.
“I think it was slow and I think we could have beaten them by more. They had two subs, so we had an advantage.” junior center back Kylie Klein said. “The game was a great learning experience for us. We’re getting better every game, and every game is showing us things we need to improve on and things we’re doing well.”
La Verne had 26 shots total, with 12 of them being on goal.
“Our energy and work rate as a team has been amazing, and everyone has been giving 100% at every practice and game,” freshman defender Annabelle Baggio said. “We’re playing a new formation this year, and I think every game gives us a chance to continue to master it so we can be ready to compete when league comes around.”
Senior defender Kayla Allen started off the scoring in the 17th minute for the Leopards by capitalizing on a through ball from teammate senior midfielder Ana Preciado.
Senior forward Toni Escobar scored the Leopards’ second goal of the night 10 minutes later in the 27th minute.
Freshman forward Eden Engebresten, scored her first goal of the season and as a Leopard, put the game to bed with a goal from the penalty spot.
“We were happy that we came out with the win, but at the same time there’s a lot we can work on,” senior midfielder Courtney Okumura said. “We created a lot of chances but were not able to make anything of it.”
The Leopards dominated and won the game, but there is always room for improvement with SCIAC play looming.
“The team came together and played well as a unit,” head coach Lauryn Pehanich said. “We were able to see a lot of different individuals’ step onto the field and compete, as 24 athletes had an opportunity to showcase themselves.”
With this win over the Elks and a 0-0 draw on the road on Tuesday against Westcliff, the Leopards are now 2-1-1 on the season and open up SCIAC play on the road at 7 p.m. Saturday at Whittier. After, the Leopards return to action at Ortmayer Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday against Elmhurst.
“We are excited about what this group has to offer with our 10 seniors and the leadership that they are bringing,” Pehanich said. “SCIAC play is right around the corner and we’re ready and excited.”
Jonas Holt contributed to this story.
Bryce Anthony Edwards can be reached at bryce.edwards@laverne.edu.
Bryce Anthony Edwards is a sophomore journalism major with a concentration in broadcast journalism, and a staff writer for the Campus Times. He is a member of the University of La Verne football and track teams, as well as the Black Student Union club.
Chris Rodriguez is a senior photography major and photo editor of the Campus Times.
