THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Tonight the Cal Lutheran women's soccer team gave the incoming students a taste of CLU athletics as they defeated Whitworth 4-1 in non-conference action on the first day of freshmen orientation.
With the stands of William Rolland Stadium packed with more than 400 fans, the Regals bounced back from a tough season opening loss to Linfield yesterday afternoon in Oregon.
A pair of newcomers made all the difference with Bailey Marquez netting a pair and Brittany Emerita adding to the cushion late in the second half.
In the 19th minute Taylor Will tallied her first goal of the season to put the home squad on top early. The offense had 13 opportunities, three coming on one play, but only found the back of the net once.
On the other end of the field, Whitworth had limited chances, just taking two shots, as the Regals controlled momentum throughout the majority of the opening half. With time winding down, Whitworth's Tiara Pajimola equalized with a goal of her own at the 44:04 mark.
After the intermission, Cal Lutheran came back fighting. The teams exchanged shots early on, but CLU regained the momentum they held throughout the majority of the first half.
Marquez, a junior transfer, scored her first CLU goal in the 63rd minute to put the Regals back on top and followed up with her second in the 71st minute for a two-goal lead.
In the 87th minute Eremita found the back of the net on an assist from senior Dani Granholm to close out the game.
Overall the Regals fired off 23 shots, with Will taking nine, while Whitworth in return had just eight shots as a team. CLU earned four corner kicks, allowing none.
Although the CLU offense controlled much of the game, keeping the ball away from the Pirates' territory, the defensive unit had a solid showing.
Mallory Carcich earned the first start of her collegiate career tonight as she manned the backfield with Kirsten DiPippo, Stephanie Gilbert and Anna Medler. Kristin Bailey played all 90 minutes and recorded one save.
Cal Lutheran will be back on the field next weekend for a pair. The Regals will travel cross country to play Eastern (Pa.) and Farmingdale State (NY) on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. (PST) and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. (PST), respectively.
Box Score: CLU 4, WC 1
