Lancers Back in the Hunt

Sunday, October 14

Riverside, Calif.

1:00 PM

California Baptist University

11-3-1, 4-2-0WAC

Utah Valley

4-11-1, 3-2-0WAC

Utah Valley

California Baptist

Photo by: Nicholas Litwin

Lancers Back in the Hunt

10/14/2018 3:39:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Sammi Wellman, Director of Sports Information

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — California Baptist University took on another top team in the Western Athletic Conference Sunday afternoon and grabbed a 1-0 victory over Utah Valley.

"I think we did a good job bouncing back after a tough loss Friday," said Coach Kristen St. Clair. "The team did a good job focusing our attention on UVU. We were a little inconsistent in the second half with our shape overall and winning balls out of the air, which allowed them to get back in the game a little, but our effort was there. This was an important three points to put us on the top shelf. I'm proud of the team and how hard they played."

The Lancers improve to 11-3-1 on the year and 4-2-0 in the WAC to stay in the hunt for their first WAC Championship, moving into third place with just two games left in conference. The Wolverines drop to 4-11-1 overall, 3-2-0 in conference.

"This game means a lot for us moving forward," said Ari Coronado, who scored the game-winner in the 36^th minute. "It gives us the confidence we need to play every game like it's our last and enjoy the last few games we have with our seniors."

CBU came out fired up and had two dangerous looks in the first three minutes of the game. Desarae Felix got a header shot off in the second minute, but it was just wide. About a minute later, she fired a shot on goal off from close range, but the UVU goalkeeper stepped in front to keep it 0-0.

Jordan Dow looked like she might break through in the ninth minute, ripping a shot from 15 yards out, but it was tipped over the bar.

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Coronado broke through. Michaela Miller won a loose ball from a Wolverine and played a ball off for Coronado on the left side. She took a touch into the box and fired her shot, tucking it inside the far post to give the Lancers the 1-0 lead.

"Ari hit a great shot," said St. Clair. "We had a few other opportunities, but the biggest thing is that good teams find a way to win. That's what we did today."

Utah Valley tried to respond in the 41^st minute, drawing a free kick and putting the shot on frame, but Carissa Christensen parried it wide of the goal to keep her shutout intact.

"Carissa was very solid again," said St. Clair of her goalkeeper, who made five saves in the victory. "She came up with some good saves for us and our backs did a great job as well."

The Wolverines felt the pressure late, but the Lancer defense wasn't about to let them back in it.

Erin Gallagher tried to give CBU some insurance in the 80^th minute with a long-range shot, but it was saved. The insurance wasn't needed, however, as the Lancers closed out the remaining 10 minutes to secure the 1-0 victory.

CBU has just three more games left in its inaugural Division I season, hosting CSU Bakersfield on Friday at 3 p.m. for its last home WAC matchup. The Lancers then head to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley two days later, before closing out the year at home with a non-conference game against Montana on Oct. 26.

"Now we prepare for CSU Bakersfield, which will be another good battle," said St. Clair.