Pair of Second Half Goals Lead Bulldogs Past Pierce in WSC Opener

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Allan Hancock College women's soccer program kicked off conference action with a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles Pierce College at home on Tuesday afternoon. | BOX SCORE

A pair of second-half goals proved to be the difference in the Western State Conference opener as both teams were scoreless through the opening frame. Kaihla Lopez broke the scoring drought when a flicked pass from Becca Souza led to a chipped shot over the Brahmas keeper in the 61st minute. Cynthia Ramirez added to the cushion just four beats later with a hard shot to the left post after connecting on a pass from Annette Vargas down the middle of the field. 

The Bulldogs (8-0-3, 1-0 WSC) outshot the visitors at a 12-6 margin but Pierce (8-1-2, 0-1 WSC) owned the edge of the field with a 6-2 advantage. Ramirez led the offensive effort with five shots on the day en route to her 21st goal of the season. Lopez, a St. Joseph High School alum, was the lone Bulldog to place more than one attempt on target as she worked towards the fourth goal of her freshman campaign. Ally Britt secured the win in the box with one save through 90 minutes of action after a strong backline limited scoring opportunities for the Brahmas. 

Hancock was scheduled to travel to Cuesta College on Friday, September 30th, but the game was called off after the Cougars announced the cancellation of their season last week. Coach Vinnedge's squad will now resume league play on October 4th with a road trip to Santa Barbara City College.