LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College defeated Fredonia State University 3-2 in a non-conference game on Sunday at W.C. Patterson Field. The Tigers capitalized on a strong second half, scoring two goals to secure the victory. The Blue Devils managed to score once in each half but were unable to match Occidental's offensive output. The Tigers outshot Fredonia 29-9, with a significant contribution from their goalie's three crucial saves in the second half. 

Occidental struck first in the opening half with Mia Steadman finding the net in the fifth minute, assisted by Malia DeCastro, to give the home team an early lead. Despite maintaining offensive pressure with multiple shots from players such as Haley Jacobson and Mia Merkelbach, the Tigers were unable to extend their lead. Fredonia equalized the score with a penalty kick goal by Bronwyn Madden in the 21st minute, leaving the teams level at 1-1 by the end of the half.

The second half began with Occidental's Alessia Sacchi taking an early shot in the 46th minute, followed by Steadman's attempt saved by Fredonia's Casey Fetzner. Despite several fouls, the Tigers maintained offensive pressure, culminating in Steadman's successful penalty kick goal in the 68th minute, extending the lead. Diana Reyes-Sanchez further secured Occidental's advantage with a goal assisted by Kara Ovenell and Tess Adlam in the 75th minute. The Blue Devils managed to score in the 84th minute, but Occidental held on to win the half 2-1.

All game long, the Tigers put pressure on a Fredonia team that finished 12-8 a season ago. The Blue Devils defense held the 2023 National Champion Cal Lutheran Regals to just one goal on Friday, but Steadman's presence on the field proved overwhelming for the Fredonia defense. 

Occidental Top Performers  

Mia Steadman  
-----------------  
- two goals  
- six shots  
- four shots on goal  

Diana Reyes-Sanchez  
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- one goal  
- one game-winning goal  
- three shots  

Malia DeCastro  
-----------------  
- one assist  
- three shots  
- three shots on goal  

Kara Ovenell  
-----------------  
- one assist  

Tess Adlam  
-----------------  
- one assist  

With the 3-2 win, the Tigers improved to 1-0-0 on the season. Fredonia's loss left them at 0-2-0. The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, September 6 against Soka University at Patterson Field.