ALISO VIEJO, CA- The Soka University Lions tied the Park University-Gilbert Buccaneers 1-1 Thursday evening at the Lions' Den Soccer Stadium in their California Pacific Conference season opener, bringing their overall record to 1-3-1.

The Buccaneers were the first to get on the scoreboard four minutes into the game, and the Lions responded nine minutes later after Sabrina Benjamin's solo effort to net her first career goal and level the score.

Despite the Lions outshooting the Buccaneers 13-5, Soka was unable to convert their chances, and the two sides ended the match deadlocked.

Benjamin led Soka, taking four shots on the game. Mallorie Barteau, Micaela Villalobos, and Ashley Fujimori each had two shots, and Samantha Barrera, Ashley Aranda, and Katie Jones each took one shot on the day.

"The team did a fantastic job with today's match," said Head Coach Wendy Espejel. "We did well adjusting as the game progressed and finding ways to add more numbers to the attack. The confidence on the ball is getting better every game, and we are looking forward to continuing the efforts through the weekend."

The Lions will remain home to host their second Cal Pac Conference match of the season on Saturday, September 9, 2023, when they host the Benedictine Mesa University Redhawks. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m.

 
NOTES: The Lions are now 0-0-1 in Cal Pac Conference play… Mackinzie Stenstrom made two saves on the game… a yellow card was shown to Park-Gilbert's Evelyn Cadenas.