LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's soccer team gave CMS a run for their money on Saturday at Ortmayer Stadium, holding the Athenas to a key 2-2 tie with major postseason implications.
Postseason Push
The Leopards are within in striking distance of their first SCIAC Postseason since 2008 and just the second in program history. La Verne is in sixth place with 13 points, one spot behind fifth-place Occidental with 16 points. The Leopards must beat Caltech in their final regular-season game of the season and need a loss from the Tigers to remain in contention. The teams will go to the SCIAC tiebreaker scenarios if they end the regular season tied in points. Occidental closes the regular season against CMS.
How It Happened
The Leopards came out hot in the second half and evened the game three minutes into the period. Neither squad could gather a loose ball in the box following a La Verne corner kick until
Natalie Kooba headed it to
Kailey Kolesar, who turned and scored the Leopards' first goal.
CMS got lucky in the 68th minute when a cross was deflected by the Leopards for an own goal, giving the Athenas a 2-1 lead.
Another set piece set up the Leopards' equalizer in the 80th minute. Neither squad could control a La Verne free kick into the box.
Lex Sahagian eventually got off a hard shot that was blocked to the top corner of the box.
Alexandra Allen charged in and fired a shot to the back of the net to tie the game, 2-2.
La Verne keeper
Sophia Penaflor allowed and made seven saves in just over 65 minutes of work.
Katy Blue ended the game and tallied three clutch saves to preserve the point.
Sierra Troy gave the Athenas the initial lead in 38 minutes into the first half off an assist from Flora Glantz.
Season Impact
The Leopards move to 5-9-2 overall and 4-6-1 in the SCIAC.
Next Game
The Leopards will face off against Caltech Beavers at Ortmayer Stadium on Saturday, October 31, at 1 p.m. La Verne will celebrate its seniors with a pregame ceremony.
