LOS ANGELES — Caltech Women's Soccer kicked off conference play on Wednesday as the group faced the Occidental College Tigers in a late afternoon road matchup.

The two teams did not hesitate to get right into action as the game began, with both squads registering at least one shot in the first few minutes of action.

On the defensive end, Caltech goalkeeper Sophia Steven played a major role in keeping the Tigers at bay as the first half progressed. The Colorado native came up with four massive saves in the final seven minutes of the period to keep the score at 0-0 as the halftime buzzer sounded.

A number of exciting moments highlighted the early part of the second half for the Beavers, including two well-timed saves from Steven, though the hosts would find the game's first goal in the 57th minute to take the lead over Caltech.

The Beavers responded with some nice play on the offensive side of the pitch, though were unable to connect.

Oxy would find the back of the net again later in the game, but the contest was far from over; just minutes later, first-year midfielder Aurelia Kuester would score in incredible fashion after stealing a pass intended for an Oxy defender from the Tigers' goalkeeper. Kuester took possession just outside the box and immediately rocketed the shot over the goalie's head and into the net, electrifying the Caltech bench. It was the second straight goal in as many games for the newcomer.

With Caltech down just one score, the group would rush the ball to midfield as they tried to tie the game up with the clock winding down. Junior forward Jennifer Solgaard would get off a shot towards the net with 2:51 remaining, but missed high.

Despite Caltech logging four solid shots in the final 5:09 of play, the Tigers would come away with the narrow victory.

Steven earned a career-high ten saves in 90 minutes of play – just three short of tying the program record. First-year midfielder Marie Choi-Schattle led the team in shots on goal with two.

Next up for the Beavers is another road matchup as they face the Sagehens of Pomona-Pitzer. Watch the game live on the SCIAC Network and follow Caltech Women's Soccer on Instagram.