MALIBU, Calif. – A 2-1 come-from-behind win at Pepperdine gave No. 23 Santa Clara women's soccer its third consecutive West Coast Conference Championship and earned an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. It was the 13th conference title in program history.
An early first half penalty kick, converted by Trinity Watson for the Waves (9-4-5, 3-3-3 WCC), found the Broncos (10-6-3, 7-0-2 WCC) down 1-0 for most of the match but a late rally lifted the team to victory.
A beautiful ball from Colby Barnett in the 73rd minute found Ellie Glenn who blasted her shot out of the air and into the back of the net for her first career goal to even the score.
Just over eleven minutes later, Izzy D'Aquila scored the game-winner, her 18th of the year, from 25 yards out on an unbelievable shot.
NOTES
- Santa Clara outshot Pepperdine 12-4. Both teams put four shots on goal.
- The Broncos earned seven corner kicks while allowing zero.
- Annie Karich assisted on both goals.
- Marlee Nicolos made three saves. Harlee Head made two.
- D'Aquila is in seventh place all-time in program history with 49 career goals. Next up is Mikka Hansen (1993-96) with 52. D'Aquila would become just the seventh Bronco with 50 or more career goals.
- D'Aquila is also ninth in program history with 114 points. Next is Leslie Osborne (2011-04) with 122.
- Jerry Smith now has 533 wins.
- Santa Clara is now 18-11 all-time vs. Pepperdine.
INTERVIEW
Hear from head coach Jerry Smith after the Broncos clinched their third consecutive WCC title with a comeback win over Pepperdine!#StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/72gLRt4ZQ6
— Santa Clara Women's Soccer (@SCUWomensSoccer) November 6, 2022
NEXT UP
The Broncos wait to see their place in the bracket with the NCAA Selection Show Monday at 12:30 p.m.
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