MERCED, CA- The Soka University Lady Lions defeated UC Merced 2-1 earning their third win over the Bobcats in program history thanks to two converted penalty kicks from sophomore midfielder Renee Parado.

In the 26^th minute of the match, Soka's first-year striker Araceli Soto-Garcia broke free with the ball at her feet. She carried the ball into the 18-yard box, where she was fouled by UC Merced's defender, earning the penalty kick for the Lions. Parado stepped up to the penalty spot, and buried her shot high and into the goal to give Soka the 1-0 lead.

With three minutes remaining in the first-half, UC Merced's Jenn Salinger netted the equalizer with the assist from Clara Constantini and Sabrina Barata leveling the score 1-1.

In the 68^th minute the Lions earned a corner kick on the right sideline. The driven service was sent mid-goal, and Soka's junior central defender Kaitlyn Haibel was fouled at the top of the six-yard box as she challenged for the header, earning the Lions their second penalty kick of the day. Parado stepped up again, blasting her shot perfectly into the top-bin for the game-winning goal.  

"It was a great weekend for our program," said Head Coach David McLeish. "Both wins keep us in the hunt for the Cal Pac playoffs. Our team's win against and very talented UC Merced program demonstrated our outstanding teamwork and relentless defending."

Up next, the Lady Lions will return home and host the La Sierra University Golden Eagles on Sunday Oct, 27, 2019. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
 
 




NOTES: This is the 10^th meeting between the Lion and Bobcats… Soka is now 3-6-1 against UC Merced… Today's win lifts the Lions to and overall record of 8-5 and 3-3 in Cal Pac Conference play… UC Merced outshot Soka 22-5… Soka's Ashley Bustamante made seven saves on the day.