SACRAMENTO – The Pacific women's soccer program rallied to get within a goal in the second half, ultimately coming up short in its season-opening 5-2 loss to Sacramento State on Thursday night from Hornet Field.
Despite facing an early deficit, the Tigers (0-1) kept their composure, scoring a pair of second-half goals and showing flashes of offensive abilities in its 2026 debut against the Hornets (1-0).
Notching their first goals of the season, sophomore
Makayla Marin-Valencia and senior
Kaya Rosa were the beneficiaries of key passes into the box to get Pacific within striking distance of its opposition.
In the 50th minute, Marin-Valencia broke free and snuck a cross-seem shot past the Hornets' goalkeeper for the first Tigers' goal of the year and the first goal of her collegiate career. Marin-Valencia, one of eight players to make their Pacific debuts tonight in the state capital, paced the Tigers with a pair of shot attempts in 53 minutes. Junior
Nia Vela earned her second collegiate assist and first since the 2024 campaign on Marin-Valencia's tally.
12 minutes following Pacific's initial goal, Rosa was found all alone and fired a perfectly placed shot into the top left corner. Rosa, who was tied for the team lead in goals last season, recorded her fourth career goal and first goal since last year's season finale against Washington State on Nov. 8.
Junior
Avery Thal, a newcomer to this year's squad, and sophomore
Yohonna Bell each collected their first career assists as Tigers in setting up Rosa. Rosa's goal made the score, 3-2, in favor of Sacramento State with under 27 minutes to play in the contest. The Tigers continued to press offensively; however, the Hornets capitalized on their few chances that followed, ultimately leading to the 5-2 result.
Sophomore
Lis Van Herwijnen drew the start in goal for the Tigers, nabbing three saves off Hornets' chances across the 90-minute effort. Sacramento State edged Pacific in the shots on goal department, 7-4, and in corner kicks, 3-2.
Up next, the Tigers return to Stockton for their home opener, taking on Nevada on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. at Knoles Field. Pacific defeated Nevada, 2-1, last season on the road in Reno.
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