The `Runners got out to a stumbling start, allowing a goal just three minutes into the match.
Determined to not let the mishap define the rest of the game, Head Coach Whitney Pitalo's squad got back into rhythm and continued to pressure the visiting Rainbow Wahine. CSUB broke through with the game-tying goal in the 23rd minute when Mya Clarke cleaned up a rebound on Madison Cole's shot.
After the halftime break, Bakersfield did not relent on the attack. In the 63rd minute, the `Runners earned a free kick in a dangerous position and made their visitors pay. Jaiden Gore stepped up on the set piece and sent a low, screaming ball to the bottom right corner of the night, beating the diving Hawai'i keep and scoring what would eventually prove to be the game-winning goal.
Over the final 27 minutes, the `Runner defense continued to deny the Bows as CSUB goalkeeper Kamy Anaya finishing the evening with seven saves.
CSUB (8-7-2, 5-3-1 Big West) has one final match remaining in the regular season: Oct. 30, at home, vs. Cal State Fullerton. With the win, the `Runners remain in contention for a high seed in the Big West, with the possibility remaining that Bakersfield could be the league's regular season Champion.
Join us at the Main Soccer Field on thursday as the `Runners look to make a final push for a title. Don't miss your chance to witness history as the CSUB women's soccer team could become the first program to win a Big West title since Bakersfield joined the league in 2020-21. Tickets are available ahead of time at GoRunners.com/Tickets. Skip the line, buy online!
~GoRunners.com~
