BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA — California Baptist defeated Utah Tech 2-1 on Thursday evening in a competitive Western Athletic Conference matchup, with the Lancers holding off a determined second-half push from the visiting Trailblazers. The victory improved California Baptist to 9-7-1 overall while Utah Tech fell to 7-6-4 on the season.
Lacy Fox opened the scoring for Utah Tech in the 24th minute, with Bre Koscielski providing the assist on the early breakthrough. The Trailblazers' early aggression appeared to have given them control of the match, but California Baptist responded with Nikki Mau equalizing in the 30th minute. Mau's goal came with assists from Ava Westlund and Kaylee Hauck, leveling the contest at 1-1 as the first half progressed. Anja Jestrovic then put California Baptist ahead 2-1 in the 54th minute, a lead the Lancers would successfully defend through the final whistle despite Utah Tech's sustained pressure in the closing stages.
The first half featured competitive soccer with both teams generating scoring opportunities. Utah Tech struck first through Fox's clinical finish in the 24th minute, but the Trailblazers failed to build on their advantage. Bre Koscielski's blocked shot in the 4th minute and Lataya Brost's off-target attempt in the 8th minute showed Utah Tech's early intent. California Baptist gradually worked into the match, with Anja Jestrovic firing wide in the 24th minute and Ava Westlund's shot being blocked in the 27th minute. The Lancers' equalizer through Mau in the 30th minute shifted momentum, and multiple substitutions at the 30-minute mark for both teams indicated tactical adjustments. Abby Olsen's high shot for Utah Tech in the 17th minute and Kyah Le's effort in the 26th minute kept the Trailblazers threatening, but California Baptist's defense held firm through the half's conclusion.
The second half saw California Baptist seize control after Jestrovic's go-ahead goal in the 54th minute. Utah Tech pressed aggressively in response, with Jocelyn Wright firing wide in the 51st minute and Kearney Hoggan's shot missing in the 67th minute. California Baptist made multiple substitutions to manage the match, removing Kaylee Hauck, Anja Jestrovic, and Mikaela Burchell at various intervals. Utah Tech countered with their own changes, withdrawing Kyah Le, Jocelyn Wright, and Abby Olsen. The Lancers' defense weathered sustained Trailblazer pressure, particularly in the final 20 minutes when Utah Tech threw numbers forward seeking an equalizer. Ava Westlund received a yellow card in the 87th minute for unsporting conduct, while Katrina Marsh and Destiny Cabrera had also been cautioned earlier for California Baptist.
California Baptist outshot Utah Tech 11-9 overall with 5 shots on target compared to Utah Tech's 3. The Lancers earned 3 corner kicks to Utah Tech's 2. California Baptist accumulated 3 yellow cards throughout the match, while Utah Tech received none. Goalkeeper saves favored Utah Tech 3-2, indicating the Trailblazers' defensive contributions despite the loss.
Ava Westlund emerged as a key performer for California Baptist, providing an assist on Mau's equalizer and maintaining defensive solidity despite her late caution. Kaylee Hauck contributed significantly before her substitution, assisting on the crucial equalizing goal. For Utah Tech, Lacy Fox's opening goal demonstrated the Trailblazers' attacking capability, while Bre Koscielski's early involvement showed Utah Tech's midfield energy.
California Baptist's victory extends their winning streak to one match following their 2-0 road victory at Utah Tech on October 12. Utah Tech's loss snaps a two-game winning streak after victories over Tarleton State and Abilene Christian. The Lancers' defensive resilience proved decisive in preserving their advantage despite Utah Tech's second-half intensity.
California Baptist hosts Southern Utah on October 26 at 8 p.m., while Utah Tech travels to Utah Valley on October 27 at 7 p.m.