The Bear Cubs faced two top opponents in this week's match-ups against Las Positas College and Feather River College.
On Tuesday, the Bear Cubs headed to Las Positas facing a quality Coast Conference team in their third away game of the season. The Bear Cubs dominated play in the first half, creating several scoring opportunities, but struggled to finish their chances and find the back of the net. Freshman, Julia Lambert, had two 1v1 chances with the goalkeeper, who made two quality saves, to maintain a first half shut out. In the second half, the Bear Cubs took advantage of their opportunities. Sophomore, Kayleen Belda (pictured), scored just 8 minutes into the half with a shot from 16 yards out, beating the keeper near post on a nice assist from freshman defender, Kendra Kane. Belda continued to get forward and create havoc in the offensive third of the field, earning a penalty kick in the 57th minute. Freshman, Natalia Picano, took the penalty kick, scoring her first goal of the season and putting the Bear Cubs up 2-0.
Late in the game, Las Positas continued to pressure the Bear Cub defense. Colleen Burkhart received a through ball from midfielder Madison Umidon to make the game 2-1 in the 78th minute. The Bear Cubs were able to finish strong, keeping their lead and ultimately winning the match.
On Saturday, the Bear Cubs faced a tough Feather River College team who was 5-1-1 coming into the match. The SRJC midfield had their best performance of the season, dominating play and keeping possession throughout the game. In the 43rd minute, the Bear Cubs earned a corner kick. Sophomore midfielder, Taylor Halstenson, played a driven ball back post, finding Picano's head for her second goal of the season, putting the Bear Cubs up 1-0 at the half.
Feather River College's #18, Sherifatu Sumaila, had several chances in behind the Bear Cub defense, but Sophomore captain, Chelsea Frostick, Halstenson, and goalkeeper, Morgan Jernigan, shut her down, earning the Bear Cubs second shut out of the season. In the 56th minute, Belda hit a lobbed shot from distance finding the side-net on a pass from freshman, Mar Alinas, increasing the Bear Cub lead to 2-0. Belda has now scored in three consecutive games. Finishing the match with solid defensive play from Kane and Amanda Neidlinger, the Bear Cubs moved to 4-2 on the season, facing their first conference opponent, Sierra College, at home on Tuesday, September 23 at 3:30pm.