It was a weekend of both success and failure for the women’s soccer team. In their Sept. 18 game against the defending Big West Champions Long Beach State the Waves recorded their second loss of the season.
With their 3-1 loss Pepperdine ended their three game winning streak and dropped their overall record to 4-2.
This match was the first time all season Pepperdine was outshot by an opponent. They had 11 shots on goal compared to the 49ers’ 13.
LBSU scored the first goal early on in the match after a fancy flip-style throw-in by the 49ers Chantel Hubbard placed the ball inside the six and allowed for an easy scoring shot for the 49ers.
Pepperdine freshman midfielder/forward Callie Payetta was able to tie the match at one point each 29 minutes into the game with a header off of sophomore defender/midfielder Myriah Stockman’s free kick. It was her first goal of the season.
The Waves were unable to gain the lead after LBSU took advantage of multiple corner kick opportunities and increased their lead to 3-1. These three goals scored by LBSU were the most goals allowed be Pepperdine since their Sept. 19 showing against Wisconsin during the 2008 season.
Their home meet against Sacramento State on Sept. 20 proved much more successful for the women’s team as they defeated the Hornets 1-0. This win marks the Waves’ (5-2) fifth shutout of the season as well as improves their home record to 4-0.
Payetta playing off her momentum from Friday’s game scored the team’s one and only goal in the 54th minute of regulation. This goal was crucial as the Wave’s were held to eight shots all game.
Freshman goalkeeper Roxanne Barker had numerous crucial saves to help get Pepperdine the win including one that was drilled directly at her. Ward attributes a large part of the win to his goalkeeper’s performance.
“I felt her stop lifted our energy and we played much better in the second half Ward said.
The Waves’ defense did their part in helping her, holding the Hornet to zero shots in the final 25 minutes.
Even though it wasn’t a picture-perfect win, Ward was optimistic and proud of his young team.
Today’s victory was a character win for this team and we did just enough to get the shutout Ward said. I’ve been in games where we’ve dominated and lost so I’m just happy for these young girls to get the ‘W’ on a day when we started only two seniors. We’re going to keep getting better and we’ll certainly learn from our mistakes today.”
The women’s soccer team looking to improve its winning record travels to Arizona State Sept. 25 and Utah Sept. 27.
