California Baptist University
5-5-1, 1-0-0
Abilene Christian
4-6-0, 0-1-0
Held Heads in Game Winner in Final Seconds of WAC Opener
9/25/2025 10:50:00 PM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE--- The opening day of Western Athletic Conference play did not disappoint as the California Baptist women's soccer program hosted Abilene Christian on Thursday evening. The competitive affair ended with a game-winner in the last 30 seconds after Taylor Held headed home with the winning goal for the 2-1 victory. CBU secures a 1-0 record to start WAC play and is now 5-5-1 on the season.
"We got the 3 points , that's the most import thing. We started the game very well that was the best start and performance we've had to date. Great goal by Ava Westlund. We generated 16 shots in the first half and 11 in the second half forcing the keeper into the game. We're creating strong opportunities now we need to do a better job of finishing those opportunities," remarked Head Coach Kristen St. Clair. "Mikayla did well controlling her box tonight and disrupting aerial balls. I'm really proud of our group's heart and resolve tonight, working through the ebbs and flow of the game and eventually getting the game winner in the last 30 seconds on a free kick. Fantastic service by Anja and equally fantastic job by Taylor to attack the ball directing it into the net. The second half may not have been our sharpest half but we showed tremendous fight and heart to stay the course and earn the important three points".
Ava Westlund found her fourth goal of the season in the seventh minute of the match to give the Lancers an early lead that was soon marred by a controversial penalty kick call in favor of the Wildcats. ACU buried the penalty kick in the lower left side of the netting to tie the match before halftime.
The second half was a defensive duel between the squads as both launched 11 shots that did not find the back of the net. With one minute on the clock, CBU made another drive down the right side of the field, and a Wildcat fouled Nikki Mau to earn the Lancers a free kick. Anja Jestrovich lofted in a perfectly placed ball to Held, who headed it home with 29 seconds to spare for the CBU win.
The Lancers totaled 27 shots on the night, with 12 on frame, led by Ava Westlund with five shots. Mikayla O'Brien once again held her own between the posts and accumulated six saves on the evening.
California Baptist will now welcome Tarleton State to Riverside on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. as WAC play continues.
Team Stats
Ava Westlund (4)
Assisted By: Mikaela Burchell
GOAL by CBU Westlund, Ava Assist by Burchell, Mikaela.
06:26
Abby Smith (2)
ACU Abby Smith PENALTY KICK GOAL.
24:22
Taylor Held (1)
Assisted By: Anja Jestrovic
GOAL by CBU Held, Taylor Assist by Jestrovic, Anja.
89:31
