After winning the WAC title last weekend, the soccer team̢۪s run at an NCAA title is over. The Bulldogs̢۪ stay was cut short Friday after No. 1 seed in the tournament (No. 2 in the nation) UCLA beat the `Dogs 5-0.
The Bulldog defense, which had been solid all year, was tested right out of the gate. The Bruins took an early 2-0 lead, and outshot the Bulldogs 10-2 in the first half.
When play resumed in the second half, the Bruins picked up right where they left off. The Bruins’ McCall Zerboni completed a hat trick, while two more goals were added before the final whistle.
The Bulldogs ended the game with five shots and sophomore goalie Kaitlyn Revel had 10 saves. Revel ended the season with 111 saves which lands her in fifth place in Fresno State history.
Seniors Selena Gill, Nicole Gutierrez and Ali Sill graduate with 47 wins — more than any other class. As freshmen and seniors, the three captains helped the `Dogs reach the NCAA Tournament.
It was only the third time in school history the Bulldogs had reached the NCAA Tournament. After starting the season 3-7, the `Dogs turned it around and finished the second half of the season 9-2-2.
Coach Steve Springthorpe says he feels his team got great experience playing a tough UCLA program. The future looks bright for Bulldog soccer, because that experience should carry over as the `Dogs return 20 student-athletes next year.