PUC Pioneers Dominate Cal Maritime with a 6-0 Victory

The PUC Pioneers women's soccer team delivered a commanding 6-0 win against the CSU Maritime Keelhaulers in Vallejo, CA, continuing their impressive preseason form.

The scoring began early, with the Pioneers finding the back of the net in the 7th minute. Ryann Van Horn (#4) made a run down the wing and sent a short pass around the defender to Judy Vallier (#10). Vallier's low cross was parried by the Keelhaulers' goalkeeper, but it fell kindly to freshman Abigail Littleton (#19), who calmly tapped it in from close range.

PUC doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Leylah Echeverria (#18) laid the ball off to right-back Leslie Tamayo (#8). Tamayo delivered a precise cross into the box, where freshman Gimena Tovar (#21) volleyed the ball past the keeper on her first touch.

Despite controlling much of the first half, the Pioneers believed they could have had more than their 2-0 lead at the break. After an encouraging halftime talk from head coach Granados, the Pioneers came out energized for the second half.

Just five minutes into the second period, Vallier earned a free kick in a dangerous position. Freshman Summer Shook (#7) delivered a pinpoint cross from the set piece, and Vallier rose high to head home PUC's third goal. Shook's precision was on display again when she provided her second assist of the match in the 60th minute, lofting a corner kick onto the head of freshman Isabela Verduzco (#20) to make it 4-0.

PUC continued to dominate possession, allowing only one serious threat on goal, which was handled comfortably by veteran goalkeeper Jayleen Casillas (#1).

In the 85th minute, the Pioneers were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the box following a shot from Littleton. Tamayo stepped up to convert the penalty, calmly placing the ball in the bottom left corner, beyond the keeper's reach.

The final goal of the match came from a stunning strike by Littleton, who unleashed a shot from 23 yards out after receiving a pass from Tamayo. The ball soared into the top right corner, sealing the Pioneers' emphatic 6-0 victory.

Senior Leslie Tamayo was instrumental in the win, contributing two assists and a goal from her right-back position. Freshman Summer Shook also tallied two assists from set pieces, while Vallier added both a goal and an assist. Abigail Littleton stood out with two goals, and freshmen Gimena Tovar and Isabela Verduzco each added a goal to their season tallies.

This victory marks PUC's second preseason win and their second clean sheet. The Lady Pioneers will look to continue their strong form when they return home to face Lincoln University on Sunday, September 22.

Story by: Kenneth Perez