Score:  UC Davis 2, Sacramento State 0
Location:  Davis, Calif.
Records:  UC Davis, 1-0-0, Sacramento State 0-1-0
 
The short story: A first-career goal for Ava Coverdale gave the Aggies an early lead, while preseason All-Big West selection Sam Tristan put the rival Hornets away in the second half as UC Davis pulled away with a commanding 2-0 win in the season opener.

After the win, Head Coach Tracy Joyner shared her thoughts on the game: "I feel great," said Joyner. "Find a way to win a rivalry game but also the first game of the season, so a lot of things to be excited about. We need clean up a couple little things, but in general feeling really good."

PITCH SIDE

• Coverdale scored her first-career goal with Sammie Ruelas delivering a perfect assist off an Aggie throw-in
• Tristan came through with the second goal for UC Davis with Jayde Holley and Bella Mayo picking up the assists
• The experienced Aggie backline was dominant, limiting the Hornets to just three shots on goal
• Goalkeeper Caeley Goldstein finished the game with three saves on the night

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Aggies were in the driver's seat from kick-off, with the aforementioned backline playing a big part in limiting the Hornets attacking chances
• Goldstein would record her first save of the game in the 7^th minute but that pressure from the Hornet offense would not remain throughout
• The midfield for UC Davis was also important tonight with the creators in the middle helping set up 14 shots tonight for the Aggies
• With so many opportunities on goal, the Aggies would break through in the 41^st with Coverdale's goal giving the Aggies a 1-0 lead entering the break
• UC Davis would again score in the 64^th minute with Tristan being on the receiving end of a well-executed free-kick
• Tristan netted the second goal with Holley initiating a free kick in which Mayo flicked on to the senior from Fresno, where Tristan then shielded off the Hornets defender and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net
• The Hornets final attempt on goal would come in the 71^st minute but UC Davis' organization and possession control the rest of the way would lead to a 2-0 victory on opening night.

SOUNDING OFF
 

"It's so cool that everyone can play a part on the field."

🔊Hear from Bella Mayo and Sam Tristan after tonight's rivalry win over the Hornets!#GoAgs pic.twitter.com/SGvguSwIGj

— UC Davis Women's Soccer (@ucdaviswsoc) August 16, 2024

NEXT UP: UC Davis returns to home on Sunday, Aug. 18 when the Aggies host LMU for a 12 p.m. kick-off.
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