MORAGA, Calif. - The Gaels put together two of their best offensive halves of the season, totaling 21 shots and putting nine of those on frame. They would dominate the game and finally be rewarded with two goals in the final twenty minutes of regulation to seal the victory. New faces would find the back of the net for the Gaels this time as sophomore forwards Brittany Holden and Isabel Lendman would net their first goals of their SMC careers.

Holden scored her first collegiate goal in 2023 with UTSA before transferring to Saint Mary's this season but recorded her first Goal as a Gael in the 71st minute. Lendman played in ten games last season as a freshman for Saint Mary's but failed to score, she would change that today with a stellar strike from distance to double the Gaels lead in the 80th minute. Forwards Tessa Salvestrin and Sydney Middaugh peppered the goal all afternoon, combining for nine shots. Middaugh would assist Holden on the first goal though for her second of the year. 

FIRST HALF SMC 0-0 USF

Saint Mary's got off to a great start, generating seven shots within the first twenty minutes of the match. Both Middaugh and Salvestrin rattled the outside netting multiple times and the Gaels ended up forcing three saves from the Dons keeper in the first half. 

Head coach Theresa Romagnolo has continued to put out a more consistent lineup and as a result, the Gaels have looked as dangerous offensively as they have all year. Khalia Gathright and Amari Hicks anchored the center back roles once again as the duo rank inside the top five in minutes played this season. Savannah Schwarze, Camryn Cruz and Emma Barthel have also started in the midfield together in four of their last five games dating back to the team's 3-1 victory over LMU earlier this month. 

The Gaels outshot the Dons 11-2 in the first half but the game remained scoreless at the break.  

FINAL SMC 2-0 USF

Once again Saint Mary's got off to a fast start in the second half with five shots and five corner kicks in the opening twenty minutes. In the 71st minute, Sydney Middaugh would chase down the Dons center back in ball possession and pick her pocket. Middaugh would cut into the box and play a cutback pass to Brittany Holden who rifled the ball into the back of the net to give the Gaels a 1-0 lead.  
 

70' | SMC 1 - USF 0

After an aggressive and offensive second half of play, Brittany Holden strikes first for the Gaels, giving them the first lead of the game🔥#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/KXc9wwifNt

— Saint Mary's Women's Soccer (@SMC_WSoccer) October 19, 2024

Barely ten minutes later, Isabel Lendman would win a tackle in USF's defensive half and then let a shot go from distance that found the side netting to double the Gaels lead and put the game to bed. Saint Mary's has had several high quality goals this season and Lendman put hers right into the mix with a stellar right-footed shot from nearly 30 yards out for the first of her collegiate career. 
 

79' | SMC 2 - USF 0

The Gaels aren't done yet... Isabel Lendman tacks on another one for the Gaels with her first goal of the season😎#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/fOPlwVYPio

— Saint Mary's Women's Soccer (@SMC_WSoccer) October 19, 2024

Kate Plachy got her 13th start of the season in goal and was untested, not having to make a save in the match. She would record her fifth shutout of the season, good for second most in the WCC. Gathright, Hicks and Emmie Ennis would play all 90 minutes in the Gaels backline and Barthel would record her sixth 90-minute game of the season.  

LOOKING AHEAD

Saint Mary's improves to 5-6-3 overall and 2-2-2 in WCC play with their shutout victory over the Dons. They will return to Saint Mary's Stadium next Saturday to take on San Diego at 3:00 PM. Watch the game live on ESPN+ and get your tickets online at smcgaels.com/tickets. 

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#GaelsRise