PASADENA, Calif. – The Caltech women's soccer team hosted Whitman College on Friday to kick off the 2024 season. The Beavers and Blues faced off in the mid-afternoon in what would prove to be a grueling match in hot weather, but nevertheless the Beavers fought to the end against a tough opponent.  

Both teams covered well defensively early on, allowing for few gaps and opportunities and 20 minutes without a shot on goal. The Blues eventually broke through for an attempt at goal in the 21st minute, but the Beavers' junior goalkeeper Sophia Steven (Broomfield, Colo. Peak to Peak Charter) ran off her line to scoop up the ball for her first save of the day. 

Whitman capitalized on a penalty kick awarded after a wayward tackle inside the Beavers' 18-yard box, but Caltech shut down the Whitman offense in the run of play for the rest of the half with Steven collecting two more saves. Sophomore midfielder Louise Maire Choi-Schattle (Barrington, R.I. / Barrington) fired the Beavers' first shot in the 42nd minute, just missing wide.

The Blues extended their lead early in the second half, but Caltech fought on as junior defender Kyla Cook (Oakland, Calif. / Athenian) tested their keeper with a shot on goal. Senior defender Georgia Malueg (Miami / Palmer Trinity School) challenged Whitman again just over a minute later with a dangerous attempt fed by a Juni Polanski corner kick. The Beavers kept the heat on with a pair of shots in the final five minutes, and Steven finished the contest with six saves.

Up next for Head Coach Emmy Meyring and the Beavers is a pair of road games in Oregon, beginning Friday, Sep. 6 at Linfield University. Follow along at gocaltech.com/coverage.

Follow Caltech Women's Soccer on Instagram and follow Caltech Athletics on Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook.