ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lady Lions were defeated by the Sierra Nevada Eagles 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at the Lion's Den Soccer Stadium.

The two sides provided end to end action for the first 34 minutes of play, until Soka's sophomore midfielder Iris Cox gave the Lady Lions the lead after finishing her chance from inside the 18-yard box. Soka's Sasha Brafman found the ball at her feet and laid it off to sophomore defender Renee Parado. Parado bent a first-time cross towards the back post, finding Cox unmarked. Cox collected the pass, and slotted her shot low, cross-keeper, giving the Lions the 1-0 advantage.

Sierra Nevada answered back ten minutes later, after sophomore goal keeper Ashley Bustamante turned away Eagles' striker Annie Clements shot off of the crossbar. The save bounced back to the top of the six-yard box, and Sierra Nevada's Victoria Boldi was quick to react. Boldi got her head to the rebound, netting the equalizer just before the conclusion of the first half.

The two sides remained level for the next forty minutes, until Clements broke free and slotted her shot past Bustamante in the 82^nd minute, scoring the go ahead goal for Sierra Nevada.

"Tonight was rough game that just didn't go our way," said Head Coach David McLeish. "We hope to turn it around next week and finish strong against Marymount on Friday."

Prior to the start of the match, Soka honored their two graduating seniors with a touching tribute to Class of 2020's Cerelia Maskarinec and Jordan Pritzl. The women's program presented each senior with a framed photo and flowers, and gave praise to their stellar work both on and off the playing field.

Cerelia Maskarinec is a two-year varsity letter winner from Tucson, AZ. She has played in 27 games and scored two goals for a combined four points. "On the field Cerelia is a tough competitor and an excellent ball winner who serves in dangerous crosses," said McLeish. "Her kind and unselfish personality is a significant part of our team culture.  Academically at Soka, she is concentrating on both International Studies and Environmental studies.  After graduation, her immediate plans are to travel to Northeastern China to study and to teach English part-time.  She then plans to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture and Design.  Her long term goal is to work with local communities in the fields of Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Design practice.  It has been a pleasure having Cerelia as part of this team."   

Jordan Pritzl is a three year varsity letter winner from San Diego, CA. She has played 37 games, scored 12 goals and assisted in one.  "When Jordan gets the ball, her immediate idea is to take a shot," said McLeish. "She has a true striker mentality, and has a great sense for goal.  Her concentration at Soka is Environmental Studies with a special interest in Ecology and Conservation.  After graduating from Soka, she will be interning at the Amazon Research Center for Ornamental Fishes in Iquitos, Peru with Professor Mazeroll.  Her position will be an Aquarist Intern and she will help run the newly founded local aquarium at the research center.  After her internship, Jordan plans on moving back to San Diego, where she hopes to find a job in Marine Ecology and Public Outreach. ​ Jordan is a kindhearted young woman with a great love for animals, and it has been a pleasure being her coach."

Up next, the Lady Lions will travel to Marymount California University on Friday Nov. 8, 2019. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
 
 




 
NOTES: This is the fourth meeting between the Lions and the Eagles… Soka is now 1-3 against Sierra Nevada… Sierra Nevada outshot Soka 17-11... Soka's Bustamante made three saves on the day.