SAN FRANCISCO-- For their third straight match, the San Francisco State recorded a shutout as this time the Gators blanked the visiting Cal State Monterey Bay Otters 1-0 in both team's CCAA opener.
Kelsey Wetzstein scored what proved to be the game-winner just eight minutes into the match on a free kick from 18 yards out for her first goal of the season.
"Any win in our conference is a big win," said San Francisco State head coach
Tracy Hamm. "I'm proud of us for holding onto the lead against a tough team".
San Francisco State (3-1-1, 1-0 CCAA) controlled the match as the Gators held a 4-1 corner kick advantage and a 7-2 shot on goal advantage. Junior
Christina Holguin recorded six saves in goal en route to her third shutout of the season for the hosts.
Before Wetzstein's free kick in the eighth minute, the Gators had four chances to take the early lead but
Jada Williams,
Natasha Gosiaco and
Valentina Riveros all saw their shot attempts sail wide left, be blocked or hit the crossbar. At the 8:13 mark, the Otters were called for a foul and Wetzstein made them pay for it as she connected on first goal of the season on what proved to be the game-winner.
Cal State Monterey Bay (2-2. 0-1 CCAA) had two chances to tie the match, but Holguin stopped Ashlee Cortez and Taylor Greenwood shot on goal attempts to keep the score 1-0 Gators. San Francisco State had a chance to increase its lead in the 23
rd minute, but Riveros' shot on goal attempt was stopped by the Otters' Aylssa Noh.
Both teams had chances late in the half to put the ball in the back of the net, but neither team could do it as the score remained 1-0 San Francisco State heading into the second half.
There were just two shot on goal attempts in the second half both by the Otters which Holguin stopped both of them as the Gators hung for the 1-0 conference victory.
"We had some great individual performances," added Hamm. "We are also becoming more discipline as a team and are starting to identify attacking principles more consistently.
We'll enjoy this win and start to prepare for a good battle against Chico on Friday."
The Gators will look to extend their winning streak to four this Friday, September 16 at 3pm, when they host No. 13 Chico State at Cox Stadium.
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Gator Athletics has a proud tradition of competitive success within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The department offers 12 intercollegiate sports programs: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Women's Track & Field, Women's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.
Gator Athletics places great emphasis on academic performance as well as athletic achievement. The program offers student athletes the opportunity to reach their educational goals, as well pursue meaningful athletic accomplishments. For more information, visit SF State Athletics' website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
