LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Occidental College dominated California Lutheran University with a decisive 21-8 victory at Patterson Field on Saturday. The Tigers improved their record to 1-2, 1-2, while the Regals fell to 0-2, 0-2.
Occidental's scoring prowess was highlighted by a strong second quarter, where it netted eight goals, contributing to its commanding lead.
Occidental opened the first quarter with
Olivia Okamoto scoring the initial goal at 8:26, shortly after a strategic timeout. The home team extended its lead to 2-0 when
Kelly Peir scored with an assist from
Evie Kim. Cal Lutheran responded with a goal by Josie Oparanaku at 4:56, cutting the deficit to one. However, the Tigers quickly regained momentum with
Tirzah Rivera and Peir each finding the net, pushing the lead to 4-1. Sydnee Hill scored for the Regals at 2:02, concluding the quarter with Occidental leading 4-2.
Okamoto opened the scoring for Occidental in the second quarter with a goal at 13:30. The home team capitalized on their momentum, with
Ava Whelan, Rivera, Peir, and again Rivera, finding the back of the net in quick succession, bringing the score to 10-2. Okamoto added another goal at 7:12 via a free position shot, widening the lead. Whelan scored again at 3:14, and
Aubrey Chang concluded Occidental's scoring with a goal assisted by
Callie Lovekin at 1:41. Cal Lutheran managed to score once in the quarter, with Oparanaku converting a free position shot at 2:30, leaving the score at 12-3 in favor of Occidental at the end of the quarter.
The third quarter saw Occidental build on its lead with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Rivera's two goals, including one assisted by Peir at 13:28. Cal Lutheran responded with a series of goals, as Madison Soforenko scored twice, with assists recorded by Oparanaku and Sydney Shin. Despite the Regals' efforts, Occidental continued to extend its lead with goals from Okamoto, who netted twice, capitalizing on man-up situations at 6:25 and again at 4:28, assisted by Chang.
Grace Morrow, who came in as goalie for Occidental, made key saves, including a stop on a free position shot by Hill at 2:05, helping secure a 17-7 lead by the end of the quarter.
Occidental secured a decisive victory over Cal Lutheran with a strong performance in the fourth quarter. Okamoto scored twice, including a free position goal at 11:21, to bolster the home team's lead. Peir contributed significantly with two assists, one of which set up Rivera's man-down goal at 5:38.
Khamille Hart-Smith added another goal at 1:51, cementing Occidental's 21-8 win. Morrow was instrumental in goal, making several key saves, including a crucial stop on a free position shot by Alexa Miller with 58 seconds remaining.
Occidental Top Performers
Kelly Peir
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- 4 goals
- 3 assists
- 6 shots on goal
Olivia Okamoto
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- 7 goals
- 1 assist
- 9 shots on goal
Tirzah Rivera
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- 6 goals
- 1 game-winning goal
- 7 shots
The Tigers have a record of 1-2, 1-2 in conference play. The Regals have a record of 0-2, 0-2 in conference play.
