It may have been the seniors’ day to shine on Sunday but apparently no one told freshman striker Anisa Guajardo.
Having played only a handful of minutes all season Guajardo looked nothing like a freshman stealing the show and collecting two goals in 18 minutes as the Waves knocked off the conference-leading Saint Mary’s Gaels 2-1. The win gave the Waves their first 10-win season in three years improving their overall record to 10-7-1. Pepperdine has not lost to the Gaels since 2001 but the team did not consider this game a shoe-in.
“I thought we performed exceptionally well Guajardo said. Saint Mary’s was a very aggressive and physical team but we were able to possess the ball for the majority of the game.”
Ball possession was key for Pepperdine to finally get its struggling offense going.
Following a rough first 45 minutes head coach Tim Ward and the Waves made some quick adjustments at halftime. It didn’t take long for those to pay off.
Freshman goalkeeper Roxanne Barker punted a ball deep down the field that confused the Saint Mary’s defenders and led to an easy goal for Guajardo tying the game 1-1 54 seconds into the second half.
“I can honestly say for the first goal I was just in the right place at the right time Guajardo said. All I had to do was run through the ball and pass it into the net.”
Pepperdine outshot Saint Mary’s 21-15.
“We had many chances throughout the game to score because we penetrated Saint Mary’s defense like crazy Guajardo said. I’m just glad the final score was a reflection of our efforts.”
Ward agrees this will be on the highlight reel for years to come.
“We’re really glad we could finish this fall season on a high note and that’s going to be a memorable win for our program Ward said.
For their four years of dedication and hard work on and off the field, Pepperdine seniors Sophia Medina, Courtney Price, Kelly Reilly and Alexis Farler were recognized during a pre-game ceremony.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to play with those amazing seniors Guajardo said. They have done so much for me and scoring those goals on Senior Day was the least I could do for them.”
Ward and his coaching staff have come a long way in these last four seasons building a successful program.
“In regards to the seniors we’re really proud of them Ward said. They’ve had an exceptional four years here difficult in many ways but what a classy group of women.”
The Waves will conclude their 2009 fall campaign on the road on Nov. 7 against University of San Francisco at 1 p.m.
