CLAREMONT, CA. -- Matthew Carlson and Jared Mejia lead the Sagehens to their first Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) victory with a 2-1 win over Occidental on Saturday afternoon at the Pomona-Pitzer Soccer Field.

With the win, the Sagehens improve to 3-1 overall and improve to 1-0 in the SCIAC.

The Sagehens were led by Mejia who had a goal and an assist in the win. Carlson netted the game-winning goal while Kyle Lau added an assist as well.

A relatively quiet first half from both teams offensively as the Sagehens and Tigers created a physical game from early on. Pomona-Pitzer tallied six shots in the first half with two on goal including a shot off of the post from Mattin Khoshzaban in the 20^th minute that almost opened up the scoring for the Sagehens in the first half.
However, the action came later in the second half after the Sagehens threatened inside the Oxy defensive third for the majority of possession. After some key passes put the ball deep in Oxy territory, Lau left a ball for Mejia who blasted a shot in the upper 90 as the Sagehens stormed the corner to celebrate their 1-0 lead in the 77^th minute.

Pomona-Pitzer went on to double its lead after the Tigers pressed hard on offense and left themselves vulnerable over the top as Mejia popped a ball over the backline to Carlson who slotted the ball to the right of the keeper for what was surely the game-winner in the 87^th minute of the match. 

The tigers didn't go quietly as they responded in the 89^th minute with a goal but failed to double up for the equalizer as the Sagehens fought off the Tigers for their first SCIAC win of the season.

Up Next: The Sagehens will next host SCIAC opponent La Verne on Wednesday, September 22^nd at 4:00 p.m.