WSOC | Salvetti Nets a Pair in 2-1 Victory over Pacific, Move to 3 Points out of Top Spot in WCC

Saturday, November 2

Stockton, CA

4:30 PM

Saint Mary's College of California

7-6-3, 4-2-2

Pacific

2-15-1, 0-8-0

Saint Mary's (CA)

Pacific

#21 Briana Salvetti: 47 MP, 2 SH, 2 G (3)

Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner

WSOC | Salvetti Nets a Pair in 2-1 Victory over Pacific, Move to 3 Points out of Top Spot in WCC

11/2/2024 7:45:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

STOCKTON, Calif. - Briana Salvetti and the Gaels put up another win as they defeated Pacific 2-1 on the road to improve to 4-2-2 in WCC play. Salvetti led Saint Mary's as she scored both of their goals including the game winner in the 63rd minute. Saint Mary's sits in a tie with LMU at 14 points in the conference standings and are just three points off of the top spot with matches against Pepperdine and Santa Clara to close out the regular season.

FIRST HALF SMC 1-0 PAC

The Gaels started off the match applying pressure in the Tigers territory with six shots in the first half. In the 35th minute, Saint Mary's earned a penalty kick thanks to a great ball from Molly Silva finding Sydney Middaugh over the top. Middaugh would fight off the Tigers defender and get clipped as she entered the box to earn the penalty. Salvetti stepped up to the challenge and got it past Pacific's goalkeeper Hannah McFarlane to give SMC the 1-0 lead.

Salvetti (2) 36'

Sydney Middaugh draws the penalty and Briana Salvetti converts it for her second goal of the season! Gaels lead 1-0 at the half! 👏⚽️#GaelsRise @WCCsports pic.twitter.com/fv4jKDANWZ
— Saint Mary's Women's Soccer (@SMC_WSoccer) November 3, 2024

Defensively, the Gaels only allowed three shots on the night and were solid once again with Khalia Gathright and Amari Hicks anchoring the center back positions. Kate Plachy was a wall in goal finishing with three saves on the night.

FINAL SMC 2-1 PAC

Getting through the Gaels defense, the Tigers evened the score just eight minutes into the second half. Exactly 10 minutes later though the Gaels took back the lead.

Savannah Schwarze attempted a shot that forced a save from Pacific's keeper but Salvetti would cash in on the rebound and fire it into the back of the net for her second goal of the night. She brings her season total to three goals and 14 for her Saint Mary's career.

Salvetti (3) 63'

For the second time today, Briana Salvetti puts the Gaels ahead! She has her first brace of 2024! #GaelsRise @WCCsports pic.twitter.com/GhkNzvloC4
— Saint Mary's Women's Soccer (@SMC_WSoccer) November 3, 2024

Saint Mary's continued to play aggressively as they closed out the second half with eight shots, 14 overall, and 10 on target. With their third straight victory, the Gaels have set up a very entertaining finish to conference play with matches against nationally ranked Pepperdine and Santa Clara. They will have a chance at capturing their first league title in program history and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2001.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saint Mary's improves to 7-6-3 overall and 4-2-2 in WCC play with their 2-1 victory over Pacific. They will play their final home game next Wednesday at 3:00 PM against nationally ranked Pepperdine. Watch the game live on ESPN+ and get your tickets online at smcgaels.com/tickets.

Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.

#GaelsRise