LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College secured a 1-0 victory over the University of La Verne on Wednesday at W.C. Patterson Field. The decisive moment came in the first half when Occidental scored the lone goal of the match, maintaining their lead with strong defense. 

The first half kicked off with a tightly contested defensive display, highlighted by Melanie Rodriguez's crucial save in the 19th minute against a shot from La Verne's Kristen Smick. Occidental's offense found its stride when Mia Steadman capitalized in the 27th minute, scoring the only goal of the half to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

Steadman's score came on her lonesome after a couple quick dribbles around the defender, creating enough space to fire off the game-winning shot.

Despite multiple attempts from both sides, the defenses held strong, allowing the Tigers to maintain their advantage heading into the break.

The second half began with Occidental holding onto its lead, despite a series of fouls, including early infractions by Bella Calemine and Samantha An. The Tigers had an opportunity to extend their lead with a penalty kick by Steadman in the 81st minute, but the attempt went high over the crossbar.

The final play of the game saw a La Verne last-ditch effort leak beyond Klionsky in goal, but Caroline Murdoch swooped in and kicked the would-be goal out of bounds to end the game.

Occidental Top Performers  

Melanie Rodriguez  
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- one save  

Audri Klionsky  
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- one save  

Mia Steadman  
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- one goal  
- three shots  
- two shots on goal  

Mia Merkelbach  
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- four shots  
- one shot on goal  

Occidental improved to 2-1-1 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play following the victory. The Leopards fell to 0-5-1 overall and 0-1-0 in conference action.

The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, September 20 with a tough test against No. 9 Pomona-Pitzer on the road in Claremont at 11 a.m.