WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. (Aug. 31) – The California University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team opened the season with a 1-0 loss in non-conference play at West Liberty on Thursday evening.

Both teams struggled early in the first half to find chances as just one shot was recorded in the first 20 minutes of the match. Freshman Zana Ross (Seville, Ohio/Cloverleaf) attempted the first shot of the half of the Vulcans, which was blocked by the defense. West Liberty went on the counter-attack and scored the lone goal of the game in the 36th minute.

Newcomer Briana Bracero (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) tallied two shots on goal late in the second half, as Cal U attempted to even the score.

Senior goalkeeper Michaela Colon (Montgomery Village, Md./Gaithersburg) tallied four saves in the loss after recording her first start in net since 2014.

The Hilltoppers out-shot the Vulcans by a 14-6 margin after attempting eight shots in the second half. Both team recorded two corner kicks during the contest.

Cal U begins Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play on Saturday, Sept. 2, when it hosts Millersville at 2 p.m.