The Southwest Voice

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The CSUB women’s soccer team beat the Fresno State Bulldogs for first time in program history on Aug. 29, 2–1, on the Main Soccer Field. The victory also awarded the Runners the newly installed Valley Cup, which will be presented to the winner of the annual matchup between the two schools.

CSUB struck early as freshman Kassi Massey scored in the seventh minute off a pass from senior captain Jackie Torvestad. Torvestad sent a long ball into Massey, who broke free and beat Fresno State keeper Kaitlyn Revel to the top right post. Massey was looking for another point in the 68th minute as she sent a cross into the Bulldog’s box. Goalkeeper Chrissy Smith, who replaced Revel at the half, punched the ball out, but it hit one of her defenders and rolled into the back of the net for an own goal.

Fresno State did not go away, however, netting a goal in the 88th minute from Molly Nizzoli to trim the lead in half. Another furious run by the Bulldogs, however, came up empty and the Runners were able to watch the scoreboard tick down to zero.

“We are really happy for the win and to be able to keep the Valley Cup here in Bakersfield,” Head Coach Nicole Van Dyke said after the game. “We continue to set the standard of play here on our home field. We had a couple patchy spots and missed some opportunities but I’m super proud of the way our players continue to come out hard and work their tails off.”

The Bulldogs outshot the Runners, 13–10, but CSUB held the advantage in shots on goal, 7–4. Massey finished with a game-high four shots, while fellow first year player Sarina Coutin had three.

Freshman keeper Marina Constantinou made three saves in goal for the Runners and had a couple of nice breakups in the box. Revel finished with two saves for the Bulldogs and Smith had three.