WSOC | Defense Stands Tall in Exhibition Versus Spartans

Saint Mary's surrendered just four shots and none on goal in a draw against SJSU.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Saint Mary's defense put up a strong effort against the Spartans' offense on Thursday night in the team's first and only exhibition match. The scoreless draw marked the second straight season where the two teams met in preseason action.

HOW IT HAPPENED
San Jose State managed just four shots against the Gaels' defense during the entire match. Saint Mary's allowed only one attempt at their goal during the opening 45 and SJSU was given just one corner kick in regulation.

Maleah Milner, Sarah Sawatzky, and Sonja Rajatalo pitched the shutout in goal and were not forced to make a save during the match. The senior Sawatzky saw the bulk of the time in net with 35 minutes.

Kaytlin Brinkman led the team's offense with four shots taken. Freshman Nayeli Diaz also fired off two shots as part of the Gaels' 12 shot effort. Five of those shots came on net.

27 different Saint Mary's players saw the pitch compared to 20 for San Jose State.

THOUGHTS FROM TRAVIS CLARKE

"It was a good game for us. Everyone played and at times I thought we did very well. We had several good one-on-one chances to score and were just not able to convert. "
"SJSU is a team that made the NCAA Tournament last year and they have a very athletic team. Overall, it was a good and competitive match for us and we have lots to build on."

UP NEXT: SEASON OPENER

The Gaels kick off their regular season next week at North Dakota State on Aug. 23. More information and links can be found on the team's schedule page.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Kaytlin Brinkman: F; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#1 Maleah Milner: GK; 5' 8"; Junior

#27 Sonja Rajatalo: GK; 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore

#0 Sarah Sawatzky: GK; 6' 0"; Senior

#13 Nayeli Diaz: F; 5' 9"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#10 Kaytlin Brinkman
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: F

#1 Maleah Milner
: 5' 8"; Junior
: GK

#27 Sonja Rajatalo
: 5' 10"; Redshirt Sophomore
: GK

#0 Sarah Sawatzky
: 6' 0"; Senior
: GK

#13 Nayeli Diaz
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: F