In its second road game of the season, the women’s soccer team held off No. 19 Texas A&M 3-1 on Sept. 1.
The Waves dug in an all around team effort to beat the Aggies. Goalie freshman Hannah Seabert protected the net, saving 10 shots.
“After the team win in Texas, it was a feeling of joy, happiness and most importantly unity,” senior Michelle Pao said. “It was definitely a team effort that was hard-fought in the hot Texas heat.”
On the offensive end, junior Lynn Williams put the first two points on the scoreboard back-to-back at 46:59 and 48:40, thanks to assists from freshman Kristen Rodriguez and junior Ally Holtz.
“Our win was a great representation of our fitness and depth as a team,” junior Kristine Hilliard said. “We have such a great freshman class that has raised the level of the team. It was a great win, and the best part about it is our team will continue to get better.”
Texas A&M tried fighting back with a goal by junior Kelley Monogue, but Rodriguez sealed the victory for Pepperdine with an eight-yard shot assisted by Williams.
“The atmosphere playing at Texas A&M is a unique experience,” Pao said. “Road games are tough, but we try to make it feel as though we are playing at home and ignore the distractions the opponent throws at us.”
The team continues its road trip on Sept. 6 facing Michigan and on Sept. 8 against Toledo.
“Wins are great in college soccer, but every team on any given day can be beaten if they don’t show up and play their ‘A’ game,” Pao said. “I like to take it game by game. One game does not determine the whole season. It was a great win, but now we have to focus on our next opponent and getting better each day.”
Still undefeated at 2-0-1, the Waves are familiar with this type of hot start. In the 2012-13 season, the team won four of their first five games and went on to make play-offs. However, the Waves could not fend off their opponents and were eliminated in the first round to close out their season with a record of 14-7.
Prior to that season, the women’s soccer team took home the 2011 WCC season title, and they hope similar success comes about as they continue their road trip.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Follow Alysha Tsuji on Twitter: @alyshatsuji
As published in the Sept. 5 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
