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.
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.
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.
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