PUC Lady Pioneers Bounce Back with 3-0 Victory Over Providence Christian

After a tough loss to the top team in the standings, the Lady Pioneers were determined to get back on track and secure three crucial points. In their second week of CAL-PAC gameplay, PUC hosted the Providence Christian College Sea Beggars, ready to make a statement.

The match started with both teams exchanging early blows, each side managing to get shots on goal. The Pioneers found the breakthrough towards the end of the first half when substitute #4 Ryann Van Horn delivered a well-placed cross from the wing. Freshman #20 Isabela Verduzco capitalized on the opportunity, blasting the ball past the keeper to give PUC the lead. The Pioneers recorded six shots in the first half, narrowly outpacing the Sea Beggars, who tallied five.

As the teams headed into halftime, PUC held a 1-0 lead with the potential to increase their advantage.

The second half brought more pressure from Providence Christian, as they earned four corners, threatening the Pioneers' defense. However, PUC's backline held firm, and it was the Pioneers who struck next. With just seven minutes remaining, Senior #2 Natalia Toral launched a long-range shot from the right side, catching the Sea Beggars' goalkeeper off guard and doubling PUC's lead to 2-0.

In the final minutes of the match, the Pioneers sealed the victory. Ryann Van Horn (#4), who had already contributed an assist, struck a powerful shot from the top of the box, finding the back of the net and securing the Pioneers' commanding 3-0 win.

The Lady Pioneers' attack rediscovered its rhythm in this match, bouncing back with the same scoreline they had suffered in their previous game. This win also marked the Pioneers' first clean sheet of the season. Freshman center-backs #5 Mia Grijalva and #6 Lauren Sanchez proved themselves a formidable defensive pairing, using their speed and ball-winning mentality to keep the Sea Beggars at bay. Senior right-back #8 Leslie Tamayo and senior goalkeeper #1 Jayleen Casillas added experience and stability to the defense, resulting in a well-structured and resilient performance.

In the midfield, #16 Kaylin MinceyNeal made a strong return from injury, helping to control the tempo and maintain possession throughout the game. #18 Leylah Echeverria and #14 Isabella Huerta worked tirelessly, connecting play with precise passes and creating multiple scoring opportunities for the Pioneers.

On the attacking side, it was a day for new faces on the scoring sheet. Natalia Toral (#2) netted her first goal of the season, while Ryann Van Horn (#4), who had scored twice from the penalty spot during preseason, notched her first goal from open play in league competition. Freshman Isabela Verduzco (#20) was also the first freshman to score for the Pioneers this CAL-PAC season.

The Lady Pioneers will face a tough test tomorrow as they go up against Westcliff at 4:00 PM.

Story by Kenneth Perez