PUC Lady Pioneers Open 2025 With Two Non Conference Tests
The PUC Lady Pioneers opened the 2025 campaign with two tune ups before the rest of the schedule turns to conference play. The group was without all returning sophomores for both matches, including defenders Mia Grijalva #5 and Gimena Tovar #21, and last season's top scorer Abigail Littleton #19. Even shorthanded, the team created chances, defended with grit, and showed the fight that will matter in league play.
Game 1 La Sierra 1 to 0 PUC Aug 24 Riverside
The opener stayed even through a competitive first half as the back line kept La Sierra's best looks to a minimum and the keeper made the needed stops to take a scoreless game into halftime. After the break, Camryn Folkers #3 came inches away in the 49th minute with a strike that bent just wide. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when a first shot was cleared off the goal line by captain Ryann Van Horn #24, but the rebound fell to Samantha Torres for the winner. PUC nearly equalized in the final moments when a cross found forward Taylor Delgado #2 for a clean volley from inside the box, but her shot was saved by the La Sierra keeper in the last seconds.
By the numbers:
Shots La Sierra 13 to PUC 6
Shots on goal La Sierra 6 to PUC 3
Corners La Sierra 5 to PUC 4
Scoring 67th minute Torres
Game 2 Warner Pacific 2 to 0 PUC Aug 28 hosted by Simpson University in Redding
With only 11 available players and no subs, the Pioneers emptied the tank from kickoff to the final whistle. The match was highlighted by goalkeeper Avery Alves #1 with 8 saves, including multiple one v one stops that kept PUC in the game deep into the second half. Warner Pacific struck in the 11th minute and added a second in the 40th minute, but PUC continued to carve out moments after halftime. Despite captains Ryann Van Horn #24 and Kaylin MinceyNeal #16 playing outside their usual midfield roles to cover depth, the attack still produced a few solid chances on frame. The usual center back pairing of Kyleigh Melconian #22 and Mia Grijalva #5 was also not available for this match.
By the numbers:
Shots Warner Pacific 15 to PUC 7
Shots on goal Warner Pacific 10 to PUC 3
Corners Warner Pacific 4 to PUC 1
Scoring 11th minute Gramps from Cordon 40th minute Cordon
What we learned
• Defense will be solid once the starters return. Everyone who stepped into those spots did a good job.
• Getting the center back pairing of Kyleigh Melconian #22 and Mia Grijalva #5 back will steady the spine.
• Shot stopping is a clear strength. Alves #1 posted 8 saves against Warner with several 1v1 moments that kept the group within reach.
• The attack created chances even with leaders playing out of position and no bench. Converting those moments is the next step as conference play begins.
• Depth pieces showed they can compete and keep the level high as the roster gets healthy.
What's Next?
The rest of the schedule now shifts to conference play. The competitiveness from these two tests and the returning sophomores' availability should raise the ceiling right away.
Story by: Kenneth Perez