STOCKTON, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Soccer were held scoreless for the second consecutive match on Wednesday evening in a physical match against the Pacific Tigers. This marked the second year  in a row these teams have tied, after a 1-1 tie in Moraga last season.
 
DEFENSIVE IS KEY
Saint Mary's, who typically begin the game on the front foot, were slow to begin, conceding a handful of corners inside the first 15 minutes. Pacific dominated possession early and Saint Mary's were forced to counter attack.
 
Despite the slow offensive start for the Gaels, the defense remained compact. Led by Taylor Poland and Marisa Garcia, the two helped the defense remain composed after the onslaught of Tigers corners.
 
Emma Barthel was a force per usual in the midfield, spinning her way around Tigers defenders. Saint Mary's began to grow into the game, but Pacific dominated possession, continually crossing the ball into dangerous areas inside the penalty box. 
 
Neither team were able to create any notable chances throughout the first half, and a rough tackle from a Pacific defender on Savannah Schwarze slowed the game to a halt right before the half.
 
SECOND HALF STAKES
It was a tale of two halves on Wednesday night, as both teams turned up the tempo to start the second half. 
 
Tessa Salvestrin forced a handful of dangerous shots in the second half, the first coming in the 57^th minute, as she sliced a right footed shot that ended up being a comfortable save for the Tigers keeper. Salvestrin's best chance came just a few minutes later in the 60^th minute, as Isabella Santavicca threaded a through ball to the charging Salvestrin. The freshman danced around the defender and struck a left footed shot that glanced off the left goal post.  
 
LATE DEFENSE
As the game wore on, Pacific began to pile on the pressure, forcing two late corners in the 84^th minute. The Gaels composed one more attack as well, as Tessa Salvestrin once again found herself chasing after a ball. This time, she lofted a left footed cross into the box towards Alessandra Towle, who headed the ball at the Tigers keeper. Despite solid contact, the shot lacked power and the keeper was able to make the save. 

UP NEXT
Saint Mary's are back at home this weekend as they're set to battle the LMU Lions at Saint Mary's Stadium on Saturday October 8 at 1 pm.