LAS VEGAS – The Pacific women's soccer program flipped the script in the second half, finding its rhythm to the tune of an even match before eventually falling to UNLV, 3-2, on Thursday night from Peter Johann Memorial Field.
Under the bright lights in the entertainment capital of the world, the Tigers (1-8) and the Rebels (2-4-2) battled in the spirited contest all evening, culminating to a one-goal decision that went in favor of UNLV when the final whistle blew.
Senior
Kaya Rosa and freshman
Julie Valdez were the benefactors for Pacific goals during its second-half explosion. While Rosa opened the scoring for the Tigers in the 49th minute, Valdez scorched home the equalizing tally for her first collegiate goal in the 61st minute.
For Rosa, it marked her third straight contest with a goal after finding the back of the net against Cal State Bakersfield and Cal Poly previously. Rosa leads the Tigers with four goals on the year.
Freshman
Ava Wells stood on her head guarding the goal, stopping four Rebel shots in the process. Wells now owns 30 saves, which ranks among the league leaders of the WCC following Thursday's action.
Despite not getting many opportunities offensively in the first half, the gears shifted in the second half with the Tigers' attack becoming more prominent as the time climbed up. Pacific saw shot attempts from five different players on the night, including a team-high four from sophomore
Janelli Villagran, three from Valdez and a pair from Rosa.
Of note, Villagran had a chance to equalize in the final moments of the match, but the UNLV keeper lunged and made the save to prevent a level score. UNLV ended up out-shooting Pacific, 14-11, and had one more corner kick attempt across the 90 minutes.
The Tigers have shown strides of confidence lately with Rosa's surging performance and the midfielders chipping in on offense. Junior
Avery Thal was credited with an assist on Rosa's finish, breaking free from a defender to set up her striker for the marker.
Pacific returns home to begin conference play, hosting LMU on next Saturday from Knoles Field on Hispanic Heritage Night. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN+.
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