The University of Redlands women's soccer team squared off against the first-place Pomona-Pitzer Colleges Sagehens in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Saturday night under the lights at Farquhar Field. With just enough offense and a poised defensive effort, the Bulldogs reigned supreme at game's end by hauling in a 1-0 victory to avenge an early-season loss to the Sagehens and move into second place in the conference standings.

Despite minimal opportunities in the first half for both sides, the Maroon and Gray took advantage of a free kick in the 17th minute of action to get on the board. Senior midfielder Savannah Laursen (Boise, ID) lined up 35 yards out, surveyed the pitch, and launched a curving ball toward the far post and past the Sagehens' outstretched goalkeeper, notching the eventual game-winner and her third goal of the season.

A defensive army consisting of sophomore Erin Schlosser (Skyline, WA), senior Sam Keary (Mission Viejo, CA), junior Sammie Burghardt (Gig Harbor, WA), and junior Faith Campbell (Bainbridge Island, WA) limited the Sagehens' offensive output to only four shots without allowing a score in the first 45 minutes of competition. ​

The second half was scripted much like the first: plenty of defensive prowess and minimal offensive opportunities. The Bulldog backline remained strong throughout the second frame with quality contributions from freshman defender Molly Boyle (Sisters, OR) complementing the brick wall of Schlosser, Keary, Burghardt, and Frame.

Furthermore, senior midfielder Summer Norquist (Boise, ID) was highly effective on the defensive end, as she utilized most of her energy on marking key Pomona-Pitzer players and locking them down throughout the night.

Redlands added seven shots in the final 45 minutes, with two coming from senior midfielder Cassie Lively (Redmond, WA), but no additional scores were needed en route to the important 1-0 victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Menk (Pleasanton, CA) played a vital role in securing the Bulldogs' second-consecutive shutout by making two outstretched saves on quality Sagehen attempts. She earned her third win of the season as well.

Seven Bulldogs fired off shot attempts, with three coming off the foot of Laursen, while Lively and Burghardt chipped in two each.

The Bulldogs (7-3-2, 6-3-1 SCIAC) continue SCIAC action on Wednesday, October 21, by traveling to Whittier College to face the Poets at 7 p.m.