CLAREMONT, CA. – The Sagehens earned a 2-0 victory over UC Santa Cruz Sunday on the road.
Season Impact: With the win, the Sagehens start the season 2-0-0.
Pomona-Pitzer came out strong in the opening half, creating several early opportunities. Sabina Peterson Rajalingam recorded a shot in the opening six minutes that was saved, while Bailey Brooke also tested the Banana Slugs early. The Sagehens broke through in the 11th minute when Ava Watanabe found the back of the net to give Pomona-Pitzer a 1-0 lead. Brooke provided the assist on the opening goal. UC Santa Cruz looked to respond, but Patricia DePalma came up with back-to-back saves in the 22nd and 23rd minutes to keep the Banana Slugs off the scoreboard. Pomona-Pitzer continued to create chances throughout the half, including another opportunity from Imogen Roy Jenkyn.
The Sagehens carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime before continuing to pressure UC Santa Cruz in the second half. Pomona-Pitzer generated several more chances, with Roy Jenkyn, Watanabe and Peterson Rajalingam each recording shots in the opening 20 minutes of the half. The pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Watanabe scored her second goal of the afternoon, extending the Sagehens' lead to 2-0. Pomona-Pitzer continued to threaten late, with Peterson Rajalingam forcing another save in the 78th minute and adding another shot just over a minute later. The Sagehens' defense held strong through the final minutes to preserve the shutout and secure the 2-0 victory.
Up Next: The Sagehens will take on University of Chicago at home on Friday September 11th at 4:30 pm.
