Freshman Mikaella Meibock scored her first two career goals and sophomore Kacey Gricius recorded three points to lead the Spartans to a 3-0 shutout of the CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners. San Jose State's first win of the year gives the Spartans (1-1-1) their best record to start a season since 2003.
Gricius opened scoring nearly four minutes in to the first half when she skirted around a Bakersfield defender and kicked the ball past goaltender Tori Ornela. The goal was Gricius' first career goal.
Less than seven minutes later, Meibock caught a Roadrunner defender off guard, sneaked past her, and shot the ball in to the net.
"Getting my first career goal was exciting but I had the perfect pass," Meibock said of the goal. "We have been working really hard on attacking play so it was easy to be in the right spot, because we know where we are supposed to be on the field."
The tandem of Gricius and Meibock struck again at the 55th minute. Charging the net, Gricius passed the ball to Meibock, who easily slid it past Ornela for her second of the game.
Said Meibock, "Everyone on the team knows their strengths so when Kacey (Gricius) is holding the ball out perfectly, you know to keep your run on because she will get you the ball."
"I was proud of our offensive effort, and how well we countered," said Spartans head coach Jeff Leightman. "Our forwards have been doing well and creating chances in the attack. I thought all of our forwards, even the ones we brought off of the bench, did a very good job of being dynamic, of getting in to the counter attack, and of working really hard defensively to disrupt Bakersfield's rhythm."
The Spartans outshot the Roadrunners (0-3-0) 10-to-6, five of which were taken by Gricius and Meibock.
San Jose State freshman goalkeeper Emily Pryor combined with teammate Gladis Covarrubias to make four saves for the shutout. It was the first shutout of Pryor's career.
The Spartans are back in action Thursday, August 30, at Spartan Stadium when they take on the University of the Pacific Tigers for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.