­Follow UC Davis: Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Facebook
  
DAVIS, Calif. – CSUN was not the only challenge UC Davis faced in Sunday's Big West Conference match at Aggie Soccer Field since it also dealt with a strong wind that varied between 25-40 MPH all game long.
 
Even after their opponent scored the first goal of the game 12 minutes in, the Aggies remained poised and continued to attack the Matadors' goal whenever opportunities arose as the half progressed. That perseverance paid off in the 35th minute when Janae Gonzalez sprinted around a CSUN defender and created a 1v1 opportunity — one she was unable to take advantage of because she was tripped from behind, earning a penalty kick in the process.
 
Moments later, CSUN netminder Amanda Delgado watched Gonzalez' shot sail past her into the net, which tied the game at one apiece.
 
With the wind at its back throughout the first half, CSUN recorded nine of its 13 shots; after halftime, UC Davis took advantage of these gusts, constantly tested Delgado, and posted 10 of its 14 attempts.
 
Of those 10 second-half shots, it was a header by Leslie Fregoso that gave the Aggies the lead with 8:48 remaining, which ultimately lead to an Aggie victory and snapped the Matadors' four-game win streak.

It was Aliyah Walker's fancy footwork that led to the game-winning strike because she was able to dribble the ball down the far side of the 18-yard box, turn and beat her defender along the end line before setting up her teammate's one-timer with a textbook cross. 
 
Fregoso's header also provided the perfect ending for the program's Senior Day — an afternoon that started with a pregame ceremony that allowed the women's soccer program to honor its five-member graduating class: Roisin Allaeddini, Gonzalez, Olivia Jones, Hailey Rittershofer and Courtney Van Winkle.
 
"There is a lot of emotion entering this game, Senior Day is always an emotional event. This means a lot to our seniors, to earn this result during our final homestand, especially in such an exciting fashion. I am really happy for this team," said UC Davis head coach Tracy Hamm.
 
Sunday's victory improved UC Davis' overall record to 7-10 overall and 2-5 against Big West teams. The Aggies' two league victories were earned at Long Beach State — the defending Big West regular season and league tournament champions — and CSUN, a team that arrived to Northern California in first place.
 
"We show a lot of resilience. Combined with our ability to step up and rise to the occasion, we have some big-time playmakers who will help fuel our success," added Hamm.
 
CSUN will enter the final week of the season with records of 10-5-3 and 4-2.
 
As was the case with her teammates, UC Davis goalkeeper Nicki Rucki responded positively to the game's unique conditions, and finished with seven saves.
 
"Today's game was definitely interesting with the weather, but I felt that we executed our game plan well, especially since we need to play into a strong win for one half and with it for another," Hamm said.
 
UC Davis' next game will also take place at home when the Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine visit for a 2 p.m. match on Halloween.
 
 
 
AGGIE EVO
Established during the 2017-18 academic year, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation.
 
Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis.
 
Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
 
MARYA WELCH INITIATIVE
Named after the former physical education instructor, coach and Dean of Women who founded women's sports on the campus 25 years before the passage of Title IX, the Marya Welch Initiative for Women's Athletics provides comprehensive support for UC Davis' 16 athletics programs.

Through the support of the Marya Welch Initiative and its group members, student-athletes are provided the best possible opportunity to succeed inside the classroom, and in competition, through special project gifts and by increasing visibility and participation at women's events throughout the year.

All gifts to the Marya Welch Initiative are matched 1:1, doubling the impact on our women's programs.

To learn more about Marya Welch Initiative projects, like this group on Facebook, or join this groundbreaking program by clicking here, contacting Assistant AD for Leadership Giving and Alumni Engagement Liz Martin at (530) 752-7326 or emartin@ucdavis.edu.
 
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.
 
The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.