Aug. 12, 2006

Stockton, Calif. - Behind stellar goalkepping on both ends of the field, the Pacific women's soccer team and the WPSL's California Storm played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday, August 12. The game was the Tigers' first exhibition game of the 2006 season.

Through 90 minutes of action, both teams posted multiple scoring chances that would test each others 'keepers. For the Tigers', junior Jaime Souza (Gig Harbor, Wash.) was up to the challenge, posting six saves on the night, including a punch save in the 68th minute that she was able to clear just over the crossbar, keeping the game knotted at zero.

Her counterpart in net for the Storm, Pacific's volunteer assistant coach Brittany Gillespie, had her share of spectacular saves throughout the night as she posted six saves for her side. Her best save, and one of the Tigers' top scoring chances on the night, came on a left-footed shot from senior Catherine Betts (Piedmont, Calif.) in the 84th minute. Betts worked herself free at the top of the 18 yard box from which she hit a shot that crossed to the right side of the goal forcing Gillespie to make a diving stop.

On the night, the Tigers fired off 21 shots led by freshman Alysse Valenzuela (Stockton, Calif.) who made the most of her first time on the field for Pacific by taking five shots. She was followed by senior Jennifer Smiley (Carmichael, Calif.) and junior Mandi Van Dorn (Danville, Calif.) who each took three shots on the night.

The Tigers continue their exhibition warm-up to the 2006 regular season on Tuesday, August 15, as they take on the Chico State Wildcats at Stagg Memorial Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.