WOMEN'S SOCCER RUNS OFF FOURTH STRAIGHT HOME WIN WITH 2-0 VICTORY OVER UC SANTA CRUZ

10/5/2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Freshman Elece McBride tallied two assists, and junior Katelin Hopping and freshman Jessica Gregory collected their first goals of the season, as Sacramento State defeated UC Santa Cruz on Sunday, Oct. 5 at Hornet Soccer Field.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 6-4-1 on the season, while the Banana Slugs fall to 6-5-1.

Sacramento State opened the scoring in the 29th minute as McBride sent a cross from the far side toward the top of the 18 where Hopping was awaiting with her right foot. Hopping sent a powerful ball high into the net, giving the Hornets a 1-0 lead. The advantage would spread to 2-0 in the 34th minute, as sophomore Erin Tarantino sent a through ball to the feet of McBride, who one touched it to her fellow freshman teammate Gregory, who connected on her first career goal.

At intermission, the Hornets held a 15-4 shot advantage, with Sacramento State putting eight shots on goal to the Banana Slugs two.

The second half saw Sacramento State have several chances to increase the lead further, but to no avail. Gregory almost connected on her second goal of the game in the 57th minute, only to see her shot hit the post. Junior Kim Kemper also had several quality second half chances saved by Banana Slug 'keeper Janneke Lang, who played the final 45 minutes without allowing a goal.

Redshirt freshman Savannah Abercrombie recorded her fourth career clean sheet in just her fifth start in goal for Sacramento State, posting three saves for the game. Kemper and freshman Jordan Carlberg led the Hornets offensively with five shots apiece, while a total of 13 Hornets took shots in the game. Sacramento State also was able to play every healthy body available to them, as the Hornets had 22 players appear in the match.

The preseason favorite to win the Big Sky Conference, Sacramento State will open up conference play on Friday, Oct. 10 as they travel to Flagstaff, Ariz. to take on Northern Arizona. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.