The University of La Verne opened its 2013 season in triumphant fashion as it recorded a 2-0 shutout victory over visiting Arizona Christian University n women's soccer action Friday evening in Ortmayer Stadium.
The contest marked the head coaching debut of Lauryn Pehanich, who posted her first career win at the helm of the Leopard program.
From the opening minutes, La Verne controlled the tempo and broke on top in the 29th minute when Olga Saldivar out-manuevered a pair of Arizona Christian defenders to score an unassisted goal to give the home team a 1-0 lead which would stand through intermission.
In the second half, the Leos extended their lead to 2-0 as co-captain Brianna Romero scored off a deflected shot off an Arizona Christian defender, finding the back of the net at the 66:58 mark of the contest.
La Verne outshot the Firestorm 9-4 on the evening. The Leos held a 5-0 edge in shots in the first half with both squads tallying four shots each in the second frame.
La Verne will return to the pitch on Tuesday to take on a second straight NAIA opponent as it takes on The Master's College in a road contest. Start time is 4:00 pm.
