ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – The Soka University Lions picked up two non-conference wins this past week against the Stanton University Elks, 6-0, and The Master's University Mustangs, 2-1. The Lions improved to 4-2 overall before heading into Cal Pac play on Sunday, September 22.
 
VS. STANTON UNIVERSITY
The Lions held control for the majority of the first half, taking nine shots before Nicole Salazar opened the floodgates for the Lions offense at the 39th minute. Soka kept control of the match going into the second half and landed five goals in the net by Amaya Gonzalez (47:28), Sabrina Benjamin (74:43), Mallorie Barteau (77:27, 84:51), Kamry Aragon (89:36). Bejamin's goal was assisted by Jonalynn Valles and Aragon's goal was assisted by Taylor Hampton.
The Soka defense put on a stellar performance against Stanton, allowing zero shots to be taken and posting a clean sheet.

VS. THE MASTER'S UNIVERSITY
In the first half, Soka recorded one shot on goal courtesy of Jeanna Ceja in the 28th minute. The Lions allowed three shots on target, but Mackinzie Stenstrom held off the Mustangs efforts. Mallorie Barteau scored at the 44th minute to send the Lions up, 1-0, into the half.
The Mustangs would level the game at the 58th minute and keep the Lions offense from finding the net until Ashley Aranda scored with just two minutes left in the match. Aranda's goal secured the win for Soka at the 88th minute.
 
Next up, the Lions will go into Cal Pac play against La Sierra University on Sunday Sep. 22 with kick-off set for 6:30 p.m.