Freshmen Provide Spark as ?Runners Capture Victory Over Idaho in Double OT, 2?1

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. ? Despite giving up a game?tying goal in the last minute of regulation, the CSUB women's soccer team showed outstanding resilience as they bounced back in double overtime to win their season opener over the University of Idaho, 2?1. After jumping to a one?goal lead in the first half, the ?Runners seemed poised to hold on for the victory until an Idaho strike in the 90th minute, just 51 seconds before the horn sounded to end regulation, knotted the match and sent the teams to extra time. After a scoreless first extra frame, freshman Veronica Ramos took a long pass in from sophomore Alexandria Ngo, made a nice move around Vandal goalkeeper Liz Boyden, and struck the game winner into the left side of the goal.

CSUB's first goal came courtesy of former Hart High School standout Sarina Coutin who found herself all alone in the box after a failed clear by Boyden. Coutin made a clean strike on the ball and gave the ?Runners the lead. CSUB would have a couple more opportunities to build upon the lead but were unable to capitalize. Early in the second, senior Alexa Vickroy took a pass from Ramos and one timed it to the far upper left corner of the goal. The ball sailed just wide as the ?Runners continued pushing forward, looking for the insurance marker.

With time winding down in the second half, Idaho's Jennifer Eugenio found some space in the right side of the CSUB box and beat goalkeeper Marina Constantinou to the far post. The ?Runners bounced back and played a strong overtime session until Ramos ended the match.

“I'm very happy with the overall effort our team showed tonight,” said Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke. “As we gain some more experience we will learn how to deal with being up a goal but our bench played extremely well and really gave us a much?needed boost in the end.”

Constantinou finished with three saves and Boyden had four. CSUB outshot the Vandals, 16?7, and held a 12?0 advantage in corner kicks.

The ?Runners will travel to UC Riverside for a 2 p.m. Sunday match against the Highlanders.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Marina Constantinou: GK; 5' 7"; Freshman

#2 Sarina Coutin: F; 5' 3"; Freshman

#5 Alexandria Ngo: MF; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#7 Veronica Ramos: MF; 5' 3"; Freshman

#19 Alexa Vickroy: F; 5' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#1 Marina Constantinou
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: GK

#2 Sarina Coutin
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: F

#5 Alexandria Ngo
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: MF

#7 Veronica Ramos
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: MF

#19 Alexa Vickroy
: 5' 4"; Senior
: F