PASADENA, Calif. — The Caltech women's soccer team hosted the nationally-ranked Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens on Saturday in the Beavers' penultimate game of the 2023 season.  

The visiting Sagehens entered the matchup with an undefeated record and a No. 18 ranking in NCAA Division III, however this did not deter the Beavers as the squad fought valiantly as they held the group to just one goal in 90 minutes of action. 

The Beavers came into the day with momentum after holding the University of Redlands scoreless in their matchup earlier this week, and Saturday proved yet again to be a strong defensive showing for the squad thanks in large part to the phenomenal play of first-year goalkeeper Haleigh Gardner. The rookie denied nine of ten shots on goal, including several leaping close-range saves that looked destined to find the back of the net before the San Ramon native nabbed the stop. 

The Caltech backline also stepped up in the field as they forced the Sagehen strikers into a number of poor shots that missed high or wide. 

Pomona-Pitzer put on display some excellent defense of their own, though the Beavers did not let up without a fight. One of the team's best opportunities came in the first half after Caltech broke up a Sagehen corner kick; after gaining possession, junior midfielder Juni Polansky sent the ball to midfield where junior forward Jennifer Solgaard picked it up before sending it back to Polansky. The midfielder then passed the ball down the line to Solgaard, who surged ahead to take possession before getting past a Pomona-Pitzer defender. The standout dribbled towards the net before firing off a shot, though the Sagehen goalkeeper moved over to swallow up the ball and keep the Beavers scoreless. 

Caltech ended the game allowing just one goal to the guests, making it only the fifth time this fall that a SCIAC team has limited the Sagehens to one or fewer goals. 

Head coach Emmy Meyring and the Beavers will compete in the team's final game of the fall this Saturday, Oct. 28 at home in a rivalry match versus the Tigers of Occidental College. Action is slated to begin at 11 a.m. 

Please join us before the contest as the team honors its seniors, and cheer for the Beavers as we celebrate their final game in a Caltech uniform. 

Follow the game online at gocaltech.com/coverage and follow Caltech Women's Soccer on Instagram. Follow Caltech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.