SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Corban University Women's Soccer team saw plenty of opportunities throughout their bout with the RV Ottawa University-Arizona Spirit to secure a goal but came up empty handed on each occasion in a 2-0 shutout win for the hometown squad.
"Today was another challenge that brought some more learning opportunities," Warriors' Head Coach Travez Whyte stated following their first 2023 loss. "It's not fun ending with the result we had today, but we are only getting better as a team. We are trusting the process as we fine tune our identity on the field."
The Warriors (1-1, 0-0) learned quickly that they would be playing from behind in this contest due to an early goal by the Spirit (1-0, 0-0), as forward Melinda Lertzman connected on a cross via a breakaway opportunity for OUAZ that found the back of the net in the 27th minute. Forward Harlee Kuntz would eventually be credited with an assist on the play.
Both squads remained off the scoreboard for the remainder of the first half, with the Warriors amounting one additional shot on goal than the Spirit who had the same number of overall shots. However, OUAZ did hold a lofty 5-2 advantage in corner kicks, while Corban also accounted for one additional team foul on the field.
The Warriors and Spirit remained scoreless for the next 40 minutes of play before Lertzman earned a brace for the home team, as a miscommunication in the penalty box for Corban resulted in an opportunity for Lertzman to insert herself into the action, ricocheting a shot off defenders to double the OUAZ lead and all but end this contest with less than six minutes remaining.
The Navy and Gold were able to keep pace with the Spirit in nearly every statistical category, but were just unable to find the back of the net throughout a 2-0 loss for their first of the season. Junior midfielder Alysia Alvarado and freshman midfielder Ella Alvarez led the team with two shots and a single shot on goal apiece, while senior goalkeeper Makida Herbert tied the game-high with three saves.
Lertzman's brace representing the only two scoring plays of the evening in Arizona, as OUAZ goalkeeper Akela Patterson matched Herbert with three saves and secured the clean sheet.
Corban will conclude their non-conference trip in Arizona tomorrow at 7pm MST, as they'll take on a formidable foe in No. 9-ranked Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott for what will be the Eagles first contest of the 2023 season after lightning storms ruined their season opener this past Thursday.
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