SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – With Fresno State's back four all returning in 2024, the group did its job and then some in Sunday's season opening 1-0 win at Cal Poly. Senior center back Jordan Lau provided the match's lone goal in the eighth minute on a header.
Lau and her defensive unit held the Mustangs to just two shots on target during the contest.
The win was the Bulldogs' first at Mustang Memorial Field since 2011.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Haley Espinoza started the game creating havoc up top with her speed. After a near miss on a cross, the senior was taken down by a Mustang just outside the box in the eighth minute to set up a dangerous free kick. Laura Mas looked for goal but it caught just enough of the crossbar to keep it out but the rebound off the turf was headed in by Jordan Lau.
The Bulldogs were the aggressors for the better part of the opening half, holding a 6-2 shot advantage in the first 35 minutes.
The Mustangs searched for the equalizer in the second half but nearly opened themselves up a couple times in the final 20 minutes as the 'Dogs forced a pair of saves out of Riley Wilkerson. A save from Bulldog keeper Shivani Battaglia, her second of the day, with just over a minute remaining sealed the win.
NOTES
Fresno State won its season opener during a fall season for the first time since 2018 (Aug. 17, 2018 at Montana; 1-0).
Fresno State defeated Cal Poly for the first time since Sept. 23, 2012 (2-1). It was the Bulldogs' first win in San Luis Obispo since Sept. 23, 2011 (3-2 OT).
Senior Jordan Lau recorded the first goal of her career.
Junior Laura Mas earned the assist on the goal, the third of her career.
Newcomers Shivani Battaglia (Jr.), Anaya Shelton (Jr.) and Sam Paepen (Fr.) recorded their first career starts. Paepen played all 90 minutes.
Senior center backs Julia Hardwick and Lau joined the freshman with 90 minutes on the pitch.
Also seeing time in the first career game for the 'Dogs were junior Alexis Campbell and freshmen Aniston Renovato, Tatiana Saunders and Hayden Crotty-Romero.
Battaglia made two saves in her first match for the Bulldogs after transferring from Central Michigan.
Mas and Paepen had a game-high two shots apiece.
Fresno State was outshot 9-8 in the match but held a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
SCORING SUMMARY
7:41 – FS – Jordan Lau (Laura Mas)
UP NEXT
Fresno State will host four of its next five matches at Bulldog Soccer Stadium beginning with the home opener against Weber State on Thursday at 7 p.m. PT. Season and single tickets can be purchased HERE.