Bulldogs Blank Sacramento State 2-0

Sunday, September 28

Fresno, Calif.

2:00 PM

Fresno State

3-7

Sacramento State

6-3-2

SAC

Fresno State

Gutierrez scores her 19th career goal against Sacramento State Sunday afternoon.

Bulldogs Blank Sacramento State 2-0

9/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 28, 2008

Box Score

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State scored twice for the, 2-0, win against Sacramento State. Both Molly Nizzoli and Nicole Gutierrez put the ball in the back of the net for the Bulldogs Sunday afternoon.

"We played much better this game, this is probably the best first half we have played all season," said Coach Steve Springthorpe. "We possessed the ball well and went into halftime with the lead."

Fresno State came out with great intensity and gained control of the game early on. The Bulldog offense pressured Sacramento State's defense and Hornet goalie Savannah Abercrombie early.

Molly Nizzoli had a close call half way through the first half when Nicole Gutierrez crossed the ball and Nizzoli took a shot. Nizzoli's shot was blocked by a Hornet defender.

The Bulldogs took the lead when Nizzoli connected with the ball and placed it passed Abercrombie. Elora Martinez crossed the ball and Lauren West flicked it on to Nizzoli.

The Bulldogs led at halftime, 1-0. Fresno State had seven shots and four of them on goal.

The second half was matched with intensity and physical play.

Ali Sill had close call after Nicole Gutierrez played the ball through and she attempted three shots, but the Hornet goalie came up with the save.

Late in the second half Ali Sill played a through ball to Nicole Gutierrez. Gutierrez was able to beat a defender and put the ball past the goalie. Gutierrez recorded her 20th career goal and Sill recorded her 20th career assist.

"The captains stepped up and showed good leadership," said Springthorpe. "The credit goes to them and the team. Nikki (Gutierrez) had a huge goal late in the game, which is something you look for from your seniors."

The Hornet fired back with a close call, but Kaitlyn Revel had a big stop and recorded the save. Revel and the defense recorded their third shutout of the season. Revel has 12 shutouts in her career.

"It was a great team effort and great to get a win," said Springthorpe.

The Bulldogs travel to Oregon next week to face Oregon State and Portland State.

"Join the State, Fresno State!" - The `Dogs head north to take on Oregon State on Friday, October 3 at 5:00 p.m. The `Dogs next home game is Sunday, October 12 as they take on WAC rival Hawai'i at 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.