MORAGA, Calif. – No. 15 Santa Clara women's soccer beat Saint Mary's 2-1 in double overtime on Saturday to clinch a share of their second consecutive West Coast Conference title and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It is the program's 12th league title overall.
The Broncos (11-5-2, 8-1 WCC) finished as co-champions with BYU after the Cougars topped Pepperdine 1-0 in double overtime. Santa Clara get the WCC's automatic bid due to thier head-to-head win over BYU.
The first half saw Santa Clara create some chances but it wasn't until Lucy Mitchell checked in and scored off a corner from Kelsey Turnbow in the 34th minute that the Broncos were able to breakthrough. The Gaels (10-4-4, 4-3-2 WCC) came back with the equalizer early in the second half and their defense stepped things up.
After six shots in the opening 45 minutes, Santa Clara got just three in the second half and one in the first overtime period. The Broncos had more luck in the second overtime, registering three shots, including the game-winner from Alex Loera off another corner by Turnbow in the 105th.
Alexis Gutierrez had the Saint Mary's goal in the 52nd minute off an assist from Annamaria DiGeronimo.
Kylie Foutch picked up a pair of saves for the Broncos and Taylor Poland made two for the Gaels.
NOTES
- Santa Clara is now 37-3-5 all-time against Saint Mary's.
- The Broncos have now won the WCC in consecutive seasons for the third time. They also did if from 2001-04 and 1997-99.
- Kelsey Turnbow is in fifth place at Santa Clara in career goals with 54. Next is Jenni Symons and Jacqui Little with 63 each. She moves into a tie for sixth with Danielle Slaton, Jenni Symons, and Karen Medved with 35 assists. Next is Little with 37. Turnbow is also at 142 points, which is fifth. Next is Jenny Fechner's 156.
- Head coach Jerry Smith now has 519 career wins, the third most Division I wins in women's soccer history.
THE GOALS
Lucy Mitchell checks in. Lucy Mitchell scores! Broncos up 1-0!#StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/2UW8036pvq
— Santa Clara Women's Soccer (@SCUWomensSoccer) November 6, 2021
. @alexis22_loera with the WINNER! WCC CHAMPS!#StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/OgwpDa1qnw
— Santa Clara Women's Soccer (@SCUWomensSoccer) November 6, 2021
INTERVIEW
��️ Head coach @SCUJerrySmith talks 2-1 double overtime win at Saint Mary's to give the Broncos their second consecutive @WCCsports title.#StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/Aky8P0gMNp
— Santa Clara Women's Soccer (@SCUWomensSoccer) November 6, 2021
NEXT UP
The NCAA Tournament Selection Show is Monday at 1:30 p.m. live on NCAA.com where Santa Clara will find out its first round opponent.
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