University of La Verne

LA VERNE, CA — The University of La Verne women's soccer team opened the year with a commanding 5-0 win over Pacific Union College in a home-opener exhibition match.

Five different Leopards scored in the win. The Leopards came out firing in the second half, scoring four goals within minutes of each other.

Lex Sahagian scored the first goal 12 minutes into the half, when she poked the ball away from the Pioneers' back line, turned, and finished with a strong left-footed shot. Bridget Ward followed two minutes later off Jessica Figueroa's assist. Figueroa made a quick one-touch pass to Ward, who cut past the keeper and shot into the back of the net before the trailing defender could catch her.

It was Patricia Acoba's turn in the 63rd minute. She lofted a shot from the corner near the sideline, over the goalie's outstretched arms, and off the far post. Figueroa ended the run with her second assist, this time setting up Megan Sewell. Figueroa's shot bounced off the far post to the perfectly placed Sewell to put La Verne up 4-0.

The Pioneers fought back and had a few attempts on goal, but Sophia Penaflor and Katy Blue prevented them from scoring, finishing with one save apiece.

With just under 10 minutes remaining in the contest, the Leopards responded to the Pioneers' pressure defense with a goal by Lexi Torres. Torres intercepted a pass, moved past the final defender, and finished with a shot from the top of the box.

The Leopards looked dynamic and created opportunities in the first half, but the Pioneers played gritty defense to keep the game even at the break.

Next Game

La Verne returns to action with its first regular-season game on Tuesday, September 1 at 7 p.m. against SCIAC newcomer Azusa Pacific University in Azusa.