The Sacramento State women’s soccer team was chosen to finish second in the Big Sky Conference this season while the Aggies were picked to finish ninth in the Big West Conference. UC Davis refused to let that bother it as the Aggies opened up their 2010 campaign with a 1-0 win over rival Sacramento State.
After struggling offensively in their exhibition game against Saint Mary’s, UC Davis took advantage of every offensive opportunity close to the Hornets’ net. Shots from Lisa Kemp and Samantha Faber would set the pace early, but it was sophomore Allison Kelly in the right place at the right time. Less than five minutes into the match, a Kemp pass found Kelly five yards in front of the net to give the Aggie the 1-0 lead. The goal was the first of Kelly’s collegiate career.
The Aggies offense dictated the tempo in the first half as UC Davis recorded six shots and held the potent Hornet offense to one. The Aggie defense withstood a 10-shot second half from Sac State. Only one of the 10 shots was on target, but Aggie goal tender Maria Magana was there to make the save.
With the victory in the first event of the Causeway Classic, UC Davis earns five points. The Aggies will travel to Oregon to compete in University of Oregon Nike Tournament. They will play against Oregon Sept. 3 before facing Oregon State Sept. 5.
– Matt Wang
