TEMECULA, Calif. – Rachel Penick (FR/San Diego, CA) scored the lone goal of the match in the 46th minute as the Vanguard women's soccer team opened Golden State Athletic Conference play with a 1-0 road victory against San Diego Christian.

Penick's goal was her team-leading sixth of the season, which is tied for sixth-most in the GSAC.

It was the third straight victory for the Lions, improving to 5-2-2 overall for the season. It was also VU's first win in a conference road opener since 2019.

Jordin Holmquist-Wilder (SO/Temecula, CA) made two saves to preserve her fourth shutout. Kassandra Ramirez stopped six shots for San Diego Christian.

The Lions had a 12-6 shots advantage. The Hawks owned the edge in corner kicks (2-1) and fouls (15-11). SDCC also was flagged for three yellow cards.

What Happened?: The Lions outshot San Diego Christian 5-2 in the first half as Madelyn Diaz (SR/San Clemente, CA) led the way with two shots. Alyssa Fong (SO/Rescue, CA), Penick and Kennedy Cypher (FR/Lake Tapps, WA) also had attempts. Four of the five shots went high or wide, but Diaz's final attempt of the first period forced Ramirez into a save.

Holmquist-Wilder successfully stopped both Hawk attempts, which occurred in the first 10 minutes as VU's defense stifled any other opportunities.

VU wasted no time getting on the board as the first shot of the second half found net off Penick's foot.

SDCC managed four shots in the second half, but none were on frame.

The Lions peppered Ramirez throughout the second half, but she handled all five shots that were on frame. Fong's shot in the 52nd minute was saved, as were back-to-back attempts by Celeste Kiernan (JR/Las Vegas, NV) midway through the second period.

Jena Howard (FR/Loomis, CA) and Bethany Urrabazo (SO/Gilroy, CA) also tried Ramirez in the 72nd and 73rd minutes but were denied.

Why Is It Important?: VU has shutout two straight opponents and has not allowed a goal over the last 201:30.

What's Next?: VU squares off against William Jessup in its GSAC home opener on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m.