Box Score

DAVIS, Calif. - The Saint Mary's women's soccer team executed its chances and played sound defense in its 1-0 victory over UC Davis Saturday afternoon at Aggies Soccer Stadium.

The Gaels now enter their West Coast Conference schedule with an overall record, 4-6. UC Davis drops its ninth game of the year and enters Big West action with an overall record, 1-9.

Saint Mary's displayed great control and set the tempo in the first half. The Gaels had two shots on goal in the opening 45 minutes. The defense made it difficult for UC Davis to find any offensive opportunities, as the Gaels allowed just one shot.

The Aggies attack put the pressure on the Gaels, as UCD fired away four shots in the second half. SMC continued to find defensive success by keeping the Aggies away from any serious scoring chances, as freshman keeper Sonja Rajatalo netted a single save in her third career start.

The Gaels fired away just four shots, with two coming from Dominguez. Both teams finished the match with 11 fouls apiece.

THE GOAL

• Saint Mary's (1-0): Anyssa Dominguez scored her first goal of 2017 with a superb finish to the left post in a one-on-one versus the Aggies keeper.

THOUGHTS FROM Travis Clarke

• "That was a great team win. Their record does not show it, but Davis is a good team that has played a very difficult schedule so far."
• "They tested us for sure in a game that seemed very defensive. Sonja [Rajatalo] got her first win of the year and Kelsey Hill did a good job up front this game."
• "We went back to our starting back line from last year (Jasmine Edwards, Valerie LaForge,Anna Parker, Jessica Ko), and it worked out very well today."
• "Overall our effort was good and we fought hard against a good team."

QUICK NOTES

• SMC is 4-1-1 in the last six matches against UC Davis dating back to 2009.
• The Gaels lead the all-time series 9-1-1
• SMC is now 5-1 all-time at Aggies Soccer Stadium.
• Rajatalo records her first career win as keeper.
• Today's goal is Dominguez's first career goal as a Gael.
• Gaels defense has allowed just two goals in last four games.
• Given up only 11 goals in 10 matches, with two of those on penalty kicks.

UP NEXT: CONFERENCE ACTION

• Saint Mary's will begin West Coast Conference play next week with two home matches.
• The Gaels will host Portland on Friday, Sept. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
• SMC will then host Gonzaga on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3:30 p.m.
• Season, single match and group tickets to attend Saint Mary's women's soccer matches are open for purchase. Tickets will be available online here or by calling the SMC Athletic Ticket Office at (925) 631-GoTX (4689).