The Lancers women’s soccer team grabbed its first win of the season in Tuesday’s home opener, blanking the Cuyamaca College Coyotes 2-0 at Robinson Stadium.
PCC’s stonewall defense completely shut down Cuyamaca. Even when the Coyotes managed to cross midfield, someone from the Lancers defense would be there to dash any glimmer of hope that the Coyotes may have had at finding the net.
“[Our defense is] really strong,” freshman defender Michelle Morales asserted. The key to their success is their communication, she added. “It’s really important to know each other’s style of play.”
After only a few minutes ticked off the clock in the second half, the Coyotes were noticeably exhausted and frustrated from trying to deal with the aggressive Lancers defense.
“We wanted to keep a high pressure attack throughout the game,” said head coach Reggie Rivas. “Our mentality was to be first to every ball.”
Freshman midfielder Rachel Schroeder led the charge offensively with a pair of second half goals.
“It was our first home game, so we were very motivated to get a win,” said Schroeder with a big smile. “We found their open areas, and that eventually led to goals.”
The only scare came late in the second half. The Coyotes finally managed to squeeze through the Lancer defense for an open shot. After sophomore goalkeeper Angie Ulmer deflected the shot, the ball was still feet if not inches away from the Lancers’ goal before sophomore defender Bailey Shaw-Rodriguez was able to come in and clear the ball about halfway to midfield.
“We were able to solve the situation,” recalls Rivas, breathing a sigh of relief.
The PCC women will be at home on Friday at 6 p.m. as they take on Mt. San Jacinto in their last game before they begin conference play.
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